Introduction
Song Introduction: Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson – “Okie from Muskogee”
“Okie from Muskogee” is one of the most iconic songs in the history of country music, first released by Merle Haggard and The Strangers in September 1969. Although often associated with both Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson due to their many collaborations over the years, the original recording of this song does not feature Willie Nelson. However, they later performed it together in live shows and tribute concerts, further solidifying its status as a country classic.
The song was written by Merle Haggard and his drummer Roy Edward Burris while they were on tour. Haggard reportedly wrote the song as a reflection of the conservative values he felt were often overlooked or mocked during the turbulent social and political climate of the late 1960s. “Okie from Muskogee” portrays the perspective of a small-town, traditional American who is proud of his roots and wary of the counterculture movement that was prominent at the time. The lyrics include lines such as “We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee” and “We don’t let our hair grow long and shaggy,” signaling a firm stance against the hippie lifestyle.
Despite debates over whether the song was meant sincerely or as satire, it resonated strongly with many Americans, particularly those from rural backgrounds, and quickly became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It earned multiple awards, including the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year in 1970.
When Haggard and Nelson performed the song together, it gained even more cultural weight as a duet between two of country music’s most influential voices. “Okie from Muskogee” remains a powerful and controversial time capsule of American attitudes during the Vietnam War era.