About the somg
Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” is more than just a country music classic; it’s a cultural touchstone that has resonated with audiences for decades. Released in 1969 at the height of the Vietnam War, the song captured the spirit of small-town America, a place where traditional values and patriotism held sway.
Written by Haggard and drummer Roy Edward Burris, the song is a character study of a proud, patriotic individual who is wary of the counterculture movement sweeping the nation. The narrator, a square-shooting Okie from Muskogee, expresses his disdain for those who challenge authority, smoke marijuana, and burn draft cards.
While the song can be interpreted as a satire of small-town values, it also serves as a powerful statement of pride and loyalty. Haggard himself acknowledged that the song was a reflection of his own beliefs at the time, though he later admitted to having evolved in his views.
Despite its controversial lyrics, “Okie from Muskogee” has endured as a beloved anthem of American country music. It has been covered by artists from across the musical spectrum, including the Grateful Dead, The Beach Boys, and Phil Ochs, each adding their own unique interpretation to the song.
Today, “Okie from Muskogee” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the zeitgeist and transcend generations. It is a song that celebrates both the virtues and the limitations of small-town life, reminding us of the importance of tradition, community, and individual freedom.
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Lyrics
We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee
We don’t take our trips on LSD
We don’t burn our draft cards down on Main Street
‘Cause we like livin’ right, and bein’ free
We don’t make a party out of lovin’
But we like holdin’ hands and pitchin’ woo
We don’t let our hair grow long and shaggy
Like the hippies out in San Francisco do
And I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee
A place where even squares can have a ball
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all
Leather boots are still in style for manly footwear
Beads and Roman sandals won’t be seen
And football’s still the roughest thing on campus
And the kids here still respect the college dean
And I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee
A place where even squares can have a ball
We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all
In Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA