Introduction
When Noel and Ben Haggard join forces to perform “The Runnin’ Kind” and “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive”, the result is a double-shot of classic Merle Haggard—delivered not just with admiration, but with deep bloodline understanding. These two songs, originally penned and immortalized by Merle in the late 1960s and ’70s, are cornerstones of the outlaw country sound—a voice for those always on the move, always at odds with the world, and always searching for something just out of reach.
“The Runnin’ Kind”, released in 1978, is Merle’s anthem of self-awareness: a confession from a man who knows he’ll never be content to stay in one place, physically or emotionally. “I was born the runnin’ kind,” he sang, and that line became a mantra for a generation of wanderers. “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive”, released earlier in 1967, is even more raw—an outlaw ballad drenched in regret, fear, and a longing for freedom that’s always just beyond the horizon. Paired together, the songs create a portrait of a man at war with his own need for escape.
With Noel and Ben, these songs take on new life. Ben’s voice, uncannily close to his father’s in timbre and phrasing, brings a rugged authenticity to the lead. Noel complements him with grit and harmony, anchoring the performance with emotional weight. Together, their delivery is confident, unforced, and alive with reverence. It’s not imitation—it’s continuation. These aren’t just songs—they’re part of the Haggard DNA.
Musically, the performance is steeped in classic country instrumentation—crisp telecaster licks, rolling bass, and the unmistakable whine of pedal steel. It’s lean, lively, and true to the sound Merle crafted with The Strangers, many of whom still perform alongside Ben today. The arrangement lets the lyrics breathe, and the audience feel every mile in the journey these songs describe.
For fans of Merle Haggard, hearing his sons deliver these tracks live is more than a nostalgic thrill—it’s a spiritual revival. And for those new to these songs, Noel and Ben offer a masterclass in the art of country storytelling, where every verse holds a hard-earned truth, and every chorus echoes with the sound of the road calling.
“The Runnin’ Kind / I’m a Lonesome Fugitive” is a living tribute to a man who gave voice to the restless and the wounded—and in the voices of his sons, that legacy still runs strong.