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Okie from Muskogee
Merle Haggard Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, me and Roy Nichols and couple other fellows in the band
We got to talking it over and thought we'd take off a little time if we can

I don't mean to say I'm quitting, I'm just tired of making love to a telephone
I'm coming home if I can find me a flight this morning, man
The Okie from Muskogee is coming home

Play it, Ken

It has been twenty years of traveling
Twenty years of living out on the road
Learning these chords and learning these songs
Paying up all these dues they said I owe

And I may always be a rambler never lose the urge to roam
I'm coming home if I can find me a flight this morning, man
The Okie from Muskogee is coming home

Count it up, Marc

Overall Meaning

The above lyrics are from Merle Haggard's song "Okie from Muskogee", which was released in 1969. The song became an instant hit, resonating with a certain segment of society, and propelling Haggard to a new level of fame. The song is essentially an ode to small-town America, and a reflection of the values and ideals held by those who lived there.


In the first stanza, Haggard talks about taking some time off from touring, but not necessarily quitting. He's tired of the disconnectedness of life on the road, where he's surrounded by strangers and feels disconnected from his roots. He wants to come back to where his heart is, where he can be with his loved ones and the familiar surroundings of Muskogee, Oklahoma.


The second stanza reflects on the past twenty years of traveling and performing, and the hard work and effort it took to get where he is now. Despite the successes, Haggard still feels the pull of his hometown and the values it represents. There is a sense that while he may always be a rambler, he will never forget where he came from.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, me and Roy Nichols and couple other fellows in the band
I am describing who I am with as I talk about this story.


We got to talking it over and thought we'd take off a little time if we can
We decided to take a break from our busy schedule and see if we can relax a little.


I don't mean to say I'm quitting, I'm just tired of making love to a telephone
I am not retiring, I am just tired of communicating through the phone and want to be physically present.


I'm coming home if I can find me a flight this morning, man
I am planning on returning home as soon as possible if I can secure a flight this morning.


The Okie from Muskogee is coming home
I will be returning to my hometown of Muskogee, Oklahoma.


Play it, Ken
As a member of my band, Ken is being asked to play music.


It has been twenty years of traveling
I have been touring for two decades.


Twenty years of living out on the road
I have literally lived on the road for two decades due to my constant touring.


Learning these chords and learning these songs
I have spent a great deal of time learning how to play musical instruments and master songs.


Paying up all these dues they said I owe
I have paid my fair share of contributions to the music industry.


And I may always be a rambler never lose the urge to roam
I might always have the urge to explore and travel even if I do return home.


Count it up, Marc
Marc is being asked to count up some sort of inventory or items.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MERLE HAGGARD, FREDDY POWERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@dustdreamer673

Being clean for 12 years now this songs makes so much sense. I'm so glad I could leave all that BS behind and embrace responsibility and familiy. My dream of owning a farm is still pending but I'm 34, might still come

@mildolarespormes

While you are still alive your dreams might come true. Way to go, buddy.

@conniestahl9182

I can still remember my daddy sitting beside the stero in our livingroom, eating a steak and drinking a beer singing along to this song, one of my fondest memory of him.

@Dr.GForensic

I'm right there with you reminds me of my dad too!

@rooster619

I have the same kind of memories. About once a month my father would start drinking early on a Saturday.He'd sit near the stereo and play one great album after another. Waylon and Willie was a big favorite.

@GREG62944

It sounds like being a real American this song..

@cosmic_american

@Greg Boardman Band Being a real American has nothing to do with anything said in this song.

@LarryBill-ei8kh

l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days…

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@tommy8715

This is my favorite version of Okie From Muskogee... it just don't get any better than this! You are sorely missed my friend... RIP Merle!

@bigcountry4539

Well... too bad
Merle went to $hit later in life and seemed to renounce this song and also "Fighting Side of Me"... smh!

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