Introduction
“Hey Haggard” is a heartfelt tribute from country star Ronnie Dunn to his longtime hero, Merle Haggard. Released on Dunn’s 2016 album Peace, Love, & Country Music, the song captures the deep influence Haggard exerted on Dunn both personally and artistically .
The song’s origins trace back to a memorable gesture: for Dunn’s birthday, his wife presented him with a Merle Haggard Telecaster signed by the “Hag” himself. That celebration took on extra significance when Haggard flew to Nashville and joined the party—an experience Dunn later expressed gratitude for, and one he chose to honor through music .
Dunn spent two years writing “Hey Haggard,” carefully weaving in references to as many of Haggard’s song titles as he could—challenging fans to identify them all. With nods ranging from “Misery and Gin” to “Mama Tried”, Dunn aimed to create both a lyrical conversation and a musical homage to the legend .
Musically, the track leans into classic country instrumentation—twangy Telecasters, a steady rhythm section, and a honky‑tonk sensibility—providing the ideal canvas for Dunn’s rich, soulful vocals . He sings with reverence, channeling the sincerity and emotional honesty that defined Haggard’s own storytelling.
In essence, “Hey Haggard” serves as Dunn’s musical thank‑you note. It not only honors the man who helped shape his musical identity but also reinforces Haggard’s enduring legacy in the greater country music landscape. Through this song, Dunn reminds listeners that some voices—like Haggard’s—echo through generations, shaping artists and the genre long after their time.
Video
Lyric
Hey Haggard, sing me a song
Something ’bout the way I am
Oh, that one sure hits home
How ’bout one now?
Is it OK if I sing along?
Well “That’s The Way Love Goes”
Always turns my baby on
“Misery and Gin”
I played over and over again
Hey Haggard, sing me a song
Hit me where I live
Tell it like it is
Hit by love gone wrong
I love the story about old glory
And the hippies getting stoned
The fightin’ side, mama tried
Sing me back home
Hey Haggard sing me a song
Hey hey Haggard, a little working man’s blues
A few bars of swinging doors
I’ve stumbled through a few
Leaning to a crooner, “Always Wanting You”
Like that heartbreaking woman
You couldn’t quite get to
How ’bout “Silver Wings”?
I can hear them engines moan
Hey Haggard, sing me a song
Hit me where I live
Tell it like it is
Hit by love gone wrong
I love the story about old glory
And the hippies getting stoned
The fightin’ side, mama tried
Sing me back home
Hey Haggard, sing me a song
Hit me where I live
Tell it like it is
Hit by love gone wrong
I love the story about old glory
And the hippies getting stoned
The fightin’ side, mama tried
Sing me back home
Hey Haggard
Hey Haggard
Hey Haggard, sing me a song