About The Song
Merle Haggard’s “Big City”
“Big City” is a song by American country music singer-songwriter Merle Haggard. It was released in 1981 as the second single from his album of the same name. The song is a classic country ballad that tells the story of a man who is disillusioned with the big city and longs for the simple life back home.
The song begins with the narrator describing the hustle and bustle of the big city. He is surrounded by “skyscrapers” and “crowds of people,” and he feels lost and alone. He longs for the peace and quiet of his hometown, where he can “walk barefoot in the grass” and “watch the sun go down.”
The chorus of the song is a powerful declaration of the narrator’s love for his home state. He sings, “I was born and raised in a small town, where the folks all know your name.” He goes on to say that he would never trade his hometown for all the riches in the world.
The bridge of the song is a particularly poignant moment. The narrator reflects on the fact that he is getting older, and he realizes that he doesn’t have much time left to spend with his loved ones. He sings, “I’m getting older with each passing day, and I’m starting to realize that I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in this big city.“
The song ends with the narrator repeating his desire to return home. He sings, “I’m gonna pack my bags and head back home, where I belong.“
“Big City” is a timeless song that has resonated with listeners for decades. It is a song about the importance of home, family, and community. It is a reminder that true happiness can be found in the simplest of things.
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard was an American country music singer-songwriter, guitarist, bandleader, and actor. He was one of the most popular and influential country music artists of all time. Haggard was known for his distinctive baritone voice, his poetic lyrics, and his rebellious spirit.
Haggard was born in Oildale, California, in 1937. He began playing guitar at a young age, and he wrote his first song at the age of 14. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade and worked a variety of odd jobs before being sent to prison in 1957 for burglary.
While in prison, Haggard began to write songs seriously. He was released in 1960, and he soon after moved to Bakersfield, California, where he became a part of the burgeoning Bakersfield sound. Haggard’s music was heavily influenced by the music of Bob Wills and Lefty Frizzell, and he was known for his hard-edged lyrics and his outlaw image.
Haggard signed his first record deal in 1962, and he released his debut album, Same Train, Different Station, in 1963. He had his first major hit in 1964 with the song “I Struck It Rich.” Haggard went on to release over 50 albums and dozens of hit singles. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980, and he received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1998.
Haggard died in 2016 at the age of 79. He is considered one of the greatest country music artists of all time.
Conclusion
“Big City” is a classic country ballad that tells the story of a man who is disillusioned with the big city and longs for the simple life back home. The song is a powerful reminder of the importance of home, family, and community. It is a timeless song that has resonated with listeners for decades.