Merle was known for speaking up for the working class in this country . Many people then and now have a hard time making ends meet day to day . Then December comes and you have to try to pull decent Christmas out of a budget already stretched to the max . So for many December is the hardest month to get through . I remember watching my dad wrap his swollen arthritic feet up tight so he could get them in his work boots to go to work on crutches . I asked him why don't you just stay home he said Santa may not come if I don't go to work . I didn't understand that then . When I did I cried knowing what he did to give us a Christmas . That's when I stopped making a Christmas wish list .

@Hobodeluxe960

5 жыл бұрын

Exactly. OG country is the song of the struggles of the common man. They're relate-able. My dad was the same way. WWII vet who was born in the 20's and his parents died when he was young. He was raised by his grandparents on their farm in Alabama and had to learn to do a man's job (tending to the farm) at an early age. When WWII came around he signed up to go fight. He lied about his age (back then they weren't so picky about paperwork as long as you were big enough to carry a rifle you were good to go) When he came back he went to work in a steel mill. He shoveled black sand that would shake out of the mold castings back onto a conveyor belt all night long. Every morning he would come home covered in black soot. His arms were as big as my thighs. He was very strong from his life of hard work. But it took it's toll on his body later on. Before that though the plant closed down. It was a good union job and he made good money despite only having a 6th grade education. The plant didn't close for lack of business. They closed because the govt allowed them to move their plants to Mexico without punishing them. Hell they gave them tax breaks for doing it. And this was a company doing govt contract work (Rockwell International) It was the govts' way of destroying labor unions. Reagan was really good at that. Anyway Merle sings the song of the common man in this one. The story is timeless and still as true as it was back then.

@Hobodeluxe960

5 жыл бұрын

@@Bozemanjustin he and Willie made a song and recorded a video of them getting high before Merle passed away. kzread.info/dash/bejne/c2qXmMeOldLHabQ.html

@MrTech226

5 жыл бұрын

Theresa, same here, my dad bust his ass so, I and siblings get our Christmas. Now, he is retired. I will never forget his sacrifices for us, kids. Now, every time that I worked thinking & making proud!

@Hobodeluxe960

5 жыл бұрын

@@Bozemanjustin yeah I know. I'm a huge fan of Willie and have probably seen and heard everything of his on the net.

@Hobodeluxe960

5 жыл бұрын

@@MrTech226 yeah I remember my dad taking me on a tour of the steel mill when I was young and he showed me how hot,nasty and hard the labor was. He told me then that there are 3 ways of making money. Your back,your hands or your head. It's up to you but unless you want to make it with your back you'll stick to school and learn as much as you can so that you can make your money using your head.

This song came out during the energy crises of the early 70's. There was a worldwide recession at that time and people were fearful about being able to make it through the winter seasons and how they would pay their heating bills. It was a difficult decade to go through for many people.

@duckduckgoismuchbetter

5 жыл бұрын

Ty...this guy nailed the explanation of the song. It's a generalized song for all working men, about hard times and economic recession. A song to tell the "little man" that he was not alone.

@strongrivercattle2643

3 жыл бұрын

Just like now! We're living through Jimmy Carter's second term

This song was a hit in 1974. I was 15 yrs old and my stepdad couldn't find a good job. He finally got a job delivering orange juice and trying to sell roofing materials. It wasn't until 1977 that things started getting a little better. I remember this song from back then and it had a lot of meaning for my family at the time. Also love Merle's voice!

Merle Haggard is a country icon and legend. I've always compared his voice to a chocolate milkshake, it's so smooth. Every once in a while I'll go to karaoke, and I always sing Merle's songs. Thanks.

Merle! One of Country's OG Outlaws. He's got a mind-blowing discography.

I grew up listening to Merle went to see him for my 1st concert at the age of 9 with my dad. Love him 🙏❤

Love Merle Haggard.

How about his voice is smooth as silk and his band is as good as you can find? Just saying

@kevinjudy2210

2 жыл бұрын

YES...HE'S GREAT..the song sucks

@karenenderle532

2 жыл бұрын

@@kevinjudy2210 well for a song that sucks, it went to number one and is now regarded as one of the 50 Christmas songs of all time..."just saying"....

@jacobmitchell5173

2 жыл бұрын

It's a great song, and Merle haggard is from a town a few miles down the road. And his how do you mistake Merle? And what do you mean olden? Not hip hoppy enough for you? I know you youngsters like your snoop dog, and p-diddy, but some of us are simple, we like our buck Owens, put Merle haggard, our Marty Robbins, and good ole Hank Jr. Yes, we are on a country state of mind. Go bless America.

@jacobmitchell5173

2 жыл бұрын

*god. And that's not what he did. He was singing about the struggles of a poor family at Xmas.

That voice, If I close my eyes, I can see my Mommy & Daddy dancing in the living room, singing along with Merle, as well as Dolly, Lorette, Oak Ridge Boys, Barbara Mandrell, Johnny Cash, George Statute, Christal Gale, Good Ole Willie, 💞 Guess that's why I love all genres of music.

@angeliaharman1649

5 жыл бұрын

Same here! Bitter sweet memories! 💕

RIP MERLE HAGGARD

Grew up with Merle playing on the radio.

When my Daddy passed away on Dec. 5th of 2005 this song came on the radio...Merle Haggard was my Daddys favorite all time country singer.

You just witnessed one part of the holy trinity of country music right there. The others are Hank Williams Sr. and the dual George's (Jones and Strait). All country music is measured by this holy trinity, and if they don't pass, they become pop stars. heheh One thing to note about Merle, of as some call him, The Hagg, he does REALLY good voice impressions. I know he can do one of Marty Robbins, and Johnny Cash, and maybe Buck Owens too, he does more than those, but those are the only one's I can think about. His impressions aren't just talking and acting like them, but singing DEAD ON their songs.

@robertreichle1

5 жыл бұрын

I'd say Haggard is in the trinity, but I'd disagree on who the others are. OR we could just say it's more than a trinity. A holy sextet or something. :)

@SilverbladeDagger

5 жыл бұрын

Well, according to Garth Brooks in his Las Vegas act, his father had Jones, Haggard, and Williams as the "holy" trinity of country music, that all country music is to be compared to. I think he based it on the tone, the lyrics, and living the life of the music, etc.. I can agree it could be expanded, perhaps in comparison to the generational shifts in the music, but only to an extent. I don't think any one would agree to take Georgia Florida Line as part of the trinity now, for instance. Garth, Reba, Strait would make a decent trinity for 80's/90's country.

@robertreichle1

5 жыл бұрын

@@SilverbladeDagger It makes for a great discussion. Personally, I don't like hardly any country music I've heard since about 1985, but you could probably make a great list by picking a top three from each decade with Williams Sr. as the starting point. That would result in an awesome playlist.

@itsallgood4093

5 жыл бұрын

How you can leave out Willie Nelson I'll never know.

@duckduckgoismuchbetter

5 жыл бұрын

Country music from this Golden Era has probably several dozen "holy trinitys" of singers, lol. All of them worthy of being referred to as that. Unlike today unfortunately.

Merle Haggard was in prison for a time. He was wild in his youth. He heard Johnny Cash play live when he was there and decided he would never be locked up again. He was always for the working man.

This was from way back when county was truly country and the music typically had a sad story to tell.

Merle Haggard, the original "Okie from Muskogee" (check that song out by Merle). Country music legend Merle Haggard died on April 6, 2016, at his home in the San Joaquin Valley, California, after a brief battle with pneumonia, so he did make it through December.. and moved to California. He died on his 79th birthday. The beloved country star recorded more than three dozen No. 1 hits in his musical career, which spanned six decades from the 1960s into the 2010s. Haggard actually predicted he would die on his birthday, according to his son, Ben Haggard. RIP Merle.

I was just listening to this song earlier! It's sad but true that the holidays aren't always happy for everyone. Some people really struggle and could use some help in their lives. We always try to invite people we know who are struggling to family dinners and stuff around Christmas time to spread positivity

@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia

5 жыл бұрын

❤

It is sad that you did not take the time to learn more about Merle. Did you know he missed going to the death chamber because he was put in solitary confinement. His life is interesting if you would take the time to learn about him.

@itsallgood4093

5 жыл бұрын

I agree, sometimes knowing a little about the person you are listening to can make a big difference in how you take their music, and to give them the well earned respect they deserve.

@carlprince2866

5 жыл бұрын

missed going to the death chamber because he was in solitary ? no one in prison goes to see another inmate executed .

Merle was a legend, respect.

Hag is my all time favorite!!

I like this one. I remember hearing it on tv, him singing this song with Dolly Parton. Blue collar worker, factory layoff, a child expecting Christmas toys and treats, and NO MONEY. Probably out of coal, too. Sad, but sweet.

Hey Tyler Merle Haggard is a country music legend. Honored @ the Kennedy Center. Making it Through December, done in 1973. Play, Mama Tried. He sang about the working man. He'd done prison time & sings about it.

All it really means is that during December if anything can go wrong it will. And I get that that can happen during any time of the year but for a lot of people (myself included) it's usually during December that it happens the most.

@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia

5 жыл бұрын

It's talking about disaster in December. No income, no Christmas. That's tough on any parent. This song is as vital today as when it came out.

@ellerharrison2090

5 жыл бұрын

@@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia I agree. And disaster can come in many forms. As a parent myself I understand this. It just usually always seems to happen the most in December.

3:35 back then musicians didn’t sing about really broad topics like they do nowadays, like with a good few of Merle’s other songs. It’s about either being in prison, being on the run, or something of that nature. It wasn’t about relating to people as much, especially with that type of music. It was more about heart and telling a story. This was a good take on the song. And yes you said the name right. 😅

Merle’s lyrics are pure poetry, his voice and guitar are simply exquisite. Lodie

Thanks for doing this song. Merle is one of the country legends!

December IS the coldest time when ye don’t have a job and Christmas is coming. Your kids love the holidays and ye know how disappointed they are going to be. It tears your heart out knowing that there’s nothing you can do about it.

He was singing about his experiences in his younger years.

Buck Owens has a place in Bakersfield, CA called the Crystal Palace...my husband and I took mother there for dinner several years ago. It was the highlight of her life. She sure did love that man.

gotta put Merles songs "okie from Muskogee" and " the fighting side of me" in the bingo ball.

This song always breaks me, growing up poor I just didn’t understand as a kid why I couldn’t have the things other kids had, my dad tried his best and was a hard working man but I just didn’t understand at that age how it was and how they struggled, they shielded me from all that

I know you say you like the stories behind the reasons we long the songs. Well, my mom was a single mom and was always struggling with bills, etc. Almost every December, she would always say, "If we make it through December..." That's why I love this song. It reminds me of her.

I think of this song ..every Time December rolls around..2021 Came out in 1974..

I just started your video and I am already laughing. Love it.

I really like your channel. I hope more and more people find you. Keep it up!

Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard - It's All Going to Pot (Digital Video) Funny song by two of the Country Ancients. (Backstory: When they were recording this song, EVERYONE got stoned, mostly on accident. haha)

I'm just seen this video I'm now 51 and growing up as a kid December was the coldest month of the year in the country. Now day's who knows lol

I love to listen to Merle Haggard. He was an amazing songwriter and singer. He lead a wild life

I asked you for it. ❤️ Layoffs often happen soon before Christmas. And so it's a cold, cold time for many.

You reacted to another of songs not long ago Mama Tried. You really can't go wrong with any song of his. He inspired so many of the best singers out now.

React to “Sold (The Grundy County Auction)” by John Michael Montgomery

The KING of Country music

Merle did impersonations too. I don't know exactly how many he could impersonate, but I know he did do country greats Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash.

Seems we never, have enough in December?? Hope we make it!! Great working man Song!! Bless You, Merle RIP!!!

Sing me back home- Merle Haggard

I remember when my husband got laid off a week before Christmas. That was about 1974. This is one of Merle's old songs, I can relate to it.

Loved it again TY

I was thinking this was a true story about him. I may be wrong. I do love Merle and love this song..RIP my friend. Merry Christmas up there in heaven.

@karenenderle532

2 жыл бұрын

Actually Karen, the song is not about him, but as with so many songs, he also wrote about the working man and the struggles of people in life's situations, that we all can relate to. I saw an interview and Merle said that he got the Title from something his guitar player at the time(Roy Nichols) said when Merle asked Roy how his marriage was going at that time, and Roy said very somberly, "If We Make it Through December". As with so many of Merle's songs, he would take a simple idea and the words would flow so beautifully, he was a multi-talented person,,,an incredible voice and musician,,,but the way he could phrase words and put them out so poetically is by far his greatest talent!!

@karenmiddleton995

2 жыл бұрын

@@karenenderle532 thanks for sharing this story. Now I know. If we all make it through December we'll be alright. God has gotten us this far. Trust and have faith. Merry Christmas to you. God Blessings!

i loved merle haggard he was my favorite country singer of all the outlaws him Johnny cash and Charlie Pride, top 3 male singers

Hey I love your videos! Have you heard The Carpenters? Superstar is an amazing song by them, and a great introduction to their stuff. Karen's voice is phenomenal.

@sherrifrazier5722

5 жыл бұрын

oldtreasures yes!!!!!!

@crystalb.-atexaninaz4482

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, please do SUPERSTAR - but it has to be the version The Carpenters recorded. No other artist compares! (I may be biased because Karen Carpenter is my favorite singer - EVER)

@intotheblue96

5 жыл бұрын

@@crystalb.-atexaninaz4482 Yes, their version is the only one that counts! Karen is my favorite female singer. Her voice is the most pure ever.

Growing up in a small town with an autistic sister, whom health insurance would not cover, my parents laughingly referred to this as our theme song.

Skeeter Davis recorded Don’t They Know It’s The End of the World.

Incidentally, Merle Haggard was the first,-and as far as I know, th only -country artist to appear on the cover of Downbeat.

My dad use to sing this all the time!!

This song always reminds me of my dad God rest his soul I miss him

He lost his job and wont be able to give his daughter the Christmas , she deserves .

Dolly Parton 'Coat Of Many Color's' !!! Please react to it!!!!

@SilverbladeDagger

5 жыл бұрын

I do believe he already did that song a few months ago.

Layoffs and businesses shut down in December because it is the end of the fiscal year and they make budget decisions for the next fiscal year. It is cold because the businesses do not factor in the normal expectations of the December holidays. You have been very fortunate if you have not been affected by this because it is very difficult the first time you have to expose your family to the realities of economic hardship. You want them to be warm and happy, but when the coldness of the world requires them to suffer it can leave you powerless to do anything other than promise them a "warmer" tomorrow.

Don Williams I believe in love reaction. Even in his 80's his voice never changed.

This was our theme song when I was little.

Poet of the common man and someone with very few peers.

Merle Haggard was a good classic country singer I liked his songs ESP this one.

Just glad to see you spinning some Merle. But, you should know who Merle Haggard is. In my opinion, he's the greatest country singer.

Now you need a good fire going out back, a Cold Beer, and some good friends...that's what its all about

Merle was the GOAT

Just nice to relax too most 70s country was like that .

Such a great song memories of my dad who worked so hard to give us a good Christmas and he did 😫

This hit in 74, during a bad recession, inflation, the energy crisis hitting, and Watergate. So yeah it was during a bad time.

When he sings this song, The Hag make us feel hes ccarrying a heavy load of a FAMILY with him. People today think of only themselves, even if they have families. What a different time we live in!!

I remember the first time it came on the radio

This was the 70s. He was the workin mans voice

It is pronounced ,murl, . I assume you are correct in your assessment of the meaning of the song, however the Hag, grew up in the depression and knew the hard times himself. He sung a lot about the working class,and had a lot of good songs. He wrote I think most of them, but some where written, by another okie, Tommy Collins. They are both a big part of what is called the Bakersfield sound.

@larissajohnston9870

5 жыл бұрын

My adopted father died 3 days after Christmas in the 70s. This is the song that helps me with my depression. And make it another year.

The nugent song is stranglehold.....i forgot to name it

Would not sound right if it was make it through January. Good singer listened to him a lot in my life.

This song has a deep meaning to me

That was from the 1970’s. I’d love it if you played a song by Porter Wagoner called Cold hard facts of life. It’s from the late 60’s and it’s a great song I think you’d like it.

Chris Kristopherson, Help Me Make it Through the Night.

One of my favorite songs.

The song was about a friend who was having hard times. It was not about Merle

This song makes me cry. This reminds me of my dad and our Christmases

He was speakin out about poverty and hardships of not being able too provide for his family from bein layed off. #WorkinManBlues

Eric Church "Homeboy"

I think Merle sang the song Take this job and Shove it...relatable for sure. Who hasn't ever had a day where they hated the job or bosses/coworkers.

Enjoyed this... Also Love Merl Haggard there was no other like hime...

You've got to listen to more Merle Haggard!!

My Father told me I had two weeks to find a Job! Really? Yes! Ok!...I joined the military. There were no Jobs in the 70's unless you wanted to work for nothing! The Military saved me and my relationship with my Father. I never stopped caring for him like he seemed to do to me. However. I never blame him. My parents just could not afford me anymore!

Best country singer along with George Jones. They were great, the best and they wrote song at least Merele did and great hits. You should look them up, both have passed on now.

Merle is always for the blue collar working man & women! I remembered hearing of Merle's bio that Merle did a stint I prison, While in prison, group of inmates were planning to escape. Merle was part of the group until older inmate seen something in Merle. Old inmate talked Merle out of escape because Merle has a future afer his stint in prison. Merle didn't go...….rest is history!

That voice! The Man! The LEGEND! Please do more Merle, the true working man’s singer/songwriter. Check out Always Wanting You. Written for Dolly, he was so in love with her.

You honest sir,I like you ,but if you don't mine I like to explain about December, when he sang the coldest time of Year, he was meaning he had no money, to buy Xmas gifts for his little girl,,,which makes it COLD NOT WARM. READ BETWEEN THE LINES OF THE SONG. FOR YOUR INFORMATION,,, ALWAYS LOVE AND RESPECT TO YOU SIR

Could you kindly consider checking out Merle Haggard's songs Are The Good Times Over For Good and My Favorite Memory Of All? I think you will get a kick outta the first one

@lonabcreations2575

5 жыл бұрын

I know you were asked to play that song from Merle but really that is one of the least of his songs that showcase how great he is and what he's done. He's a prolific writer and hes done great songs like Sing me Back Home, I'll never swim Kern river again, Branded Man, Mama Tried, these I think you would have been impressed with. In fact, singers today are affected and copy his and George Jones style.

@LoriDawnLynn1981

5 жыл бұрын

@@lonabcreations2575 lol didya just jump in my comment NOT to reply to me but to tell him to disregard my suggestions for they're not good enough? That's too funny...lol dont worry, just because I suggested a couple of songs (i had meant to add Going Where The Lonely Go) doesn't mean he will actually pick them. Your odds of him seeing your song suggestions would be much higher if you post your own comment, by putting them as a reply to my comment he will have to first click on my comment to see it. either way he cant go wrong with any of the songs you listed (or mine imo)...they're all great songs

GREAT SINGER

Don Williams is a good one. Lord, I hope this day is good and I believe in you are two good ones. He has a very smooth voice.

@victorvallerga608

5 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Have to throw Tulsa Time in there too.

Next, Mamma Tried by Merle. Fighting Side of Me, or Okie from Muskogee.

You really should listen to Tom T Hall sing Onion Championship. Based on true story in Lubbock Texas.

Kenny g and Micheal bolton... how am I supposed to live without yoy..amazing performance...great sax

Tommy Collins left the music business to become a preacher, Merely wrote a song about him. If you run across his surmon on KZread you will know why , preaching wasn't meant for Leonard.

Hey Ty, the E in his name is silent... Great review

Give Branded Man a listen.

Please react to Steeleye Span - Gaudete (Rejoice). It is medieval poem written in praise of the birth of Jesus. It is written and performed in latin. The music on the poem was composed in 16th century. Steeleye Span got a top 20 hit with it in 1973 in the UK.

@vintagebrew1057

5 жыл бұрын

Gaudete, very beautiful song. Steeleye Span are a great British folk rock band.