I'm a Lonesome Fugitive
Haggard Merle and The Strangers Lyrics


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Down every road there's always one more city
I'm on the run, the highway is my home
I raised a lot of Cain back in my younger days
While Mama used to pray my crops would fail
Now I'm a hunted fugitive with just two ways
Outrun the law or spend my life in jail

I'd like to settle down but they won't let me
A fugitive must be a rolling stone
Down every road there's always one more city
I'm on the run, the highway is my home

I'm lonely but I can't afford the luxury
Of having one I love to come along
She'd only slow me down and they'd catch up with me
For he who travels fastest goes alone

I'd like to settle down but they won't let me
A fugitive must be a rolling stone
Down every road there's always one more city
I'm on the run, the highway is my home





I'm on the run, the highway is my home

Overall Meaning

The song "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive" by Merle Haggard and The Strangers tells a story about a man who is constantly on the run, living life as a fugitive. He reflects on his past and the trouble he caused in his younger days, while his mother prayed for him to fail. Now, he is being hunted by the law and faces two options: continue running or spend his life behind bars. Despite the desire to settle down and live a normal life, the reality of his situation keeps him on the move. The man acknowledges his loneliness but knows that he cannot afford to have anyone accompany him as they would ultimately slow him down and lead to his capture. The song's chorus repeatedly emphasizes the idea that on his journey as a fugitive, there is always "one more city" to escape to, and his only constant in life is the highway.


The lyrics of "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive" delve into the life of a criminal on the run, but also address broader themes of isolation, restlessness, and the consequences of past actions. Haggard's own life experiences heavily influenced the song, as he had previously served time in prison and knew what it felt like to live a life outside of societal norms. The song's haunting melody and Haggard's distinctive vocals give the piece a melancholic, almost nostalgic tone, further emphasizing the poignant lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

Down every road there's always one more city
No matter where I go, there is always another city to reach.


I'm on the run, the highway is my home
I am running from the law and the only place that feels like home is the highway.


I raised a lot of Cain back in my younger days
In my youth, I caused a lot of trouble.


While Mama used to pray my crops would fail
My mother used to pray that I would be punished for my bad behavior.


Now I'm a hunted fugitive with just two ways
Now I am being chased by the law, with only two choices.


Outrun the law or spend my life in jail
My only choices are to escape or to spend the rest of my life behind bars.


I'd like to settle down but they won't let me
I would like to find a place to call home, but the authorities will not allow me to do so.


A fugitive must be a rolling stone
As a fugitive, I must always be on the move.


I'm lonely but I can't afford the luxury
I am lonely, but I cannot afford to have anyone with me as it could slow me down and make me more vulnerable.


Of having one I love to come along
Although I would like to have someone with me that I love dearly.


She'd only slow me down and they'd catch up with me
However, having someone with me could slow me down and make it easier for the authorities to catch me.


For he who travels fastest goes alone
Those who travel the fastest do so alone and without any attachments.


I'm on the run, the highway is my home
I am still running, and the only place that feels like home is the highway.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CASEY ANDERSON, LIZ ANDERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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