Introduction:
Okie from Muskogee, released in 1969, is a cornerstone of American country music. The song, written by Merle Haggard and produced by Fritz Stapleton, captured a moment in American culture when traditional values were being challenged by the burgeoning counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Haggard, a rising star in country music at the time, was known for his unconventional background and outspoken personality. He had a rebellious streak himself, having served time in prison in his youth. However, Okie from Muskogee presented a more conservative perspective, celebrating small-town life, patriotism, and traditional American values.
Willie Nelson, another future country music legend, joined Haggard on the track. Though Nelson would later become known for his association with outlaw country and progressive politics, in 1969 he was still establishing himself as a songwriter and collaborator. His inclusion on the song lent a touch of credibility and star power to Haggard’s message.
Okie from Muskogee quickly became a surprise hit. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Haggard’s place at the forefront of country music. The song also sparked a cultural conversation, with some praising its defense of traditional values and others critiquing its dismissive attitude towards the counterculture. Regardless of perspective, there was no denying the song’s impact. It helped define the emerging genre of outlaw country, which celebrated working-class values and challenged the Nashville establishment.
Okie from Muskogee remains a significant song in country music history. It’s a time capsule of a specific moment in American culture, capturing the social and political tensions of the late 1960s. The song continues to be debated and reinterpreted, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Video:
Lyrics:
We don’t smoke marijuana in MuskogeeWe don’t take our trips on LSDWe don’t burn our draft cards down on Main StreetWe like livin’ right, and bein’ free
We don’t make a party out of lovin’We like holdin’ hands and pitchin’ wooWe don’t let our hair grow long and shaggyLike the hippies out in San Francisco do
I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee,A place where even squares can have a ballWe 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 footwearBeads and Roman sandals won’t be seenFootball’s still the roughest thing on campusAnd the kids here still respect the college dean
WAnd I’m proud to be an Okie from MuskogeeA place where even squares can have a ball.We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouseAnd white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of all
And white lightnin’s still the biggest thrill of allIn Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA.