Liz Anderson was a successful country singer in her own right. In 1967, she scored a Top 5 hit, the self-penned "Mama Spank". She is also one of Country Music's most respected songwriters, writing the Merle Haggard hits "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers" and "The Lonesome Fugitive". Merle named his band "The Strangers" after the hit "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers". In addition, she has written many other country hit songs.
I'm a Lonesome Fugitive
Liz Anderson Lyrics
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I raised a lot of cane 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
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
He'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
I'm on the run the highway is my home
The song "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive" by Liz Anderson captures the story of a man who has lived a life of rebellion and recklessness in his younger days, which has led him to become a fugitive on the run. He reflects on his past mistakes, while acknowledging that his current situation leaves him with two choices: outrun the law or spend his life in jail. He craves a stable life filled with love and companionship, but knows that his fugitive status will not allow him such a luxury.
The lyrics illustrate the plight of many individuals who choose to live life on the edge, disobeying societal norms and taking risks that have dire consequences. The line "I raised a lot of cane back in my younger days" is a reference to his past wild and reckless behavior, and the mention of his mother's prayers highlights the guilt and remorse he feels for disappointing her. The line "A fugitive must be a rolling stone" touches on the idea that a fugitive can never truly settle down and must keep moving to avoid being caught by the law.
The song speaks to the human desire for acceptance, companionship, and love, while also emphasizing the reality of the consequences of one's actions. It reminds listeners that it is never too late to make better choices, but sometimes the repercussions of our past actions may follow us for the rest of our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I raised a lot of cane back in my younger days
I caused a lot of trouble in my youth
While mama used to pray, my crops would fail
My mother would pray for my success, but it never came
Now I'm a hunted fugitive with just two ways
I am being pursued by the law and only have two options
Outrun the law or spend my life in jail
Either I escape the law or spend my life behind bars
A fugitive must be a rolling stone
A person on the run must always be moving
Down every road there's always one more city
There's always a new place to go, but nowhere to stay
I'm lonely but I can't afford the luxury
Although I'm lonely, I can't risk being slowed down
Of having one I love to come along
Having a loved one with me would be a luxury I can't have
He'd only slow me down and they'd catch up with me
A companion would hinder my escape and cause my capture
For he who travels fastest goes alone
To escape the law, I must travel alone as quickly as possible
I'd like to settle down
I wish I could stay in one place and lead a peaceful life
I'm on the run the highway is my home
My life is spent on the road, always avoiding the law
Contributed by Carter C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.