Introduction:
“September in Miami” by Merle Haggard is a track from his 1975 album Keep Movin’ On, one of his many records that marked the peak of his commercial success. The album, which was released under Capitol Records, reflected Haggard’s consistent ability to blend traditional country sounds with more progressive elements, something that helped him remain a dominant figure in country music during the 1970s.
The song itself is a ballad with a nostalgic tone, capturing the warmth and significance of a fleeting romantic encounter that takes place in Miami. It showcases Haggard’s distinctive voice and lyrical style, often focusing on themes of love, loss, and personal reflection. The song is thought to evoke a sense of longing for a special moment in time, using the metaphor of “September in Miami” to signify the emotional and geographical backdrop of a relationship that leaves a lasting impression. The reflective nature of the song is typical of Haggard’s storytelling ability, where personal experiences and broader emotions intertwine.
This track contributes to the overall mood of Keep Movin’ On, an album that saw Haggard experimenting with smoother, more polished production compared to some of his earlier, more raw Bakersfield sound. The album also features other popular tracks like “Movin’ On,” which became the theme song for the TV series Movin’ On.
“September in Miami” may not be one of Haggard’s most well-known hits, but it remains a testament to his craftsmanship as a songwriter, able to evoke strong imagery and emotion with simplicity and depth.
Video:
Lyrics:
“September In Miami”
September in Miami marks the time and the place
I first laid eyes on you
I was there to spend the winter
Keepin’ warm the only way I knew.It was way down in the fall before I realized at all
It’d be a special place and time
September in Miami
Is more than just a memory of mine.The winter found the beaches filled with pretty girls
And lonely boy away from home
All the sunshine and laughter could you know
They matched the happiness I’d known.You went away to somewhere on the day before thanksgiving day
But I didn’t cry
And the lonely weeks that followed
Made me know I’d always love you till I die.For days I tried forgetting you
And finally wrote you offers just like a passing friend
But I woke up this morning
And today I started loving you again.If this letter ever find you
I hope it finds you happy when it find you
I’ll address it somewhere Texas
For you talked about some cowboys that you knew.September in Miami marks the time and the place
I first laid eyes on you
I was there to spend the winter
Keepin’ warm the only way I knew.