Merle Haggard – Sing A Family Song

Introduction:

“Sing a Family Song” by Merle Haggard is a track from his album “The Roots of My Raising,” released on November 22, 1976, under Capitol Records. This album showcases Haggard’s unique style that merges traditional country with a variety of influences, such as honky-tonk and folk, which is typical of his music during the 1970s. Known for his emotional depth and storytelling ability, Haggard uses this song to reflect on family values, a theme that runs through much of his work.

“The Roots of My Raising” was part of Haggard’s broader exploration of his roots and identity as an artist. Throughout the 1970s, Haggard was already established as a prominent figure in country music, celebrated for his distinctive voice and authentic songwriting. This album exemplified his deep connection to his upbringing in Bakersfield, California, a place that had a profound influence on his sound and style. The song “Sing a Family Song” fits seamlessly within this album, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and personal heritage, which were recurring themes in Haggard’s career.

Musically, the song falls within the traditional country genre, but Haggard’s approach often crossed into honky-tonk, blues, and even jazz, reflecting his versatility as an artist. “Sing a Family Song” demonstrates his knack for blending simple, heartfelt lyrics with melodies that capture the spirit of country music’s storytelling tradition.

During his career, Haggard was recognized as one of the most influential country musicians, earning numerous awards, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994. He received critical acclaim for his authenticity and his ability to capture the experiences of working-class Americans, which resonated with a wide audience. The album “The Roots of My Raising,” with “Sing a Family Song” as one of its tracks, solidified Haggard’s place in country music history, allowing him to explore themes of family, heritage, and the struggles of everyday life​

Video:

Lyrics:

“Sing A Family Song”

There’s got to be some folks around
With memories just like mine
Who’d give the world to stop the clock
And turn back the hands of timeTo an evenin’ spent like so many spent
With mom and dad at home
When dad would get the old guitar down
And sing a family song

Sing a family song, sing a family song
When mom and me sang harmony, little sister, she hummed along
Sing a family song, oh, sing a family song
When dad would get the old guitar down and sing a family song

Now maybe at first your memories of home
Won’t resemble mine at all
But there’s one thing I know we all have in common
And that’s the God given gift to recall

Maybe your dad didn’t play no guitar
But I know that there was somethin’ he did
That doesn’t make your old heart just well up and sad
When you relive your life as a kid

Sing a family song, oh, sing a family song
When mom and me sang harmony, little sister hummed along
Sing a family song, oh, sing a family song
When dad would get the old guitar down and we’d sing a family song
When dad would get the old guitar down and sing a family song