Bring It On Down To My House, Honey – Merle Haggard

Introduction:

“Bring It On Down to My House, Honey” by Merle Haggard, from the 1972 album The Best of the Best of Merle Haggard, is a cover of a classic Western swing tune originally recorded by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys in the 1930s. Wills, known as the “King of Western Swing,” popularized the song as part of his band’s extensive catalog, blending jazz, swing, and country influences that defined the Western swing genre. Haggard, a lifelong fan of Bob Wills, paid tribute to him with this rendition, maintaining the song’s upbeat and lively nature while bringing his own distinct style to the track.

Haggard’s version preserves the playful, inviting tone of the original, with the lyrics extending a casual invitation to bring fun and good times “down to my house.” His performance is both a homage to Wills and a demonstration of Haggard’s versatility, seamlessly transitioning between traditional country and Western swing.

This recording is one of many tributes Haggard made to Wills throughout his career, including a full tribute album, A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World (1970). Haggard’s love for Wills’ music was a testament to his deep appreciation of country music’s roots and its crossover into other genres, like swing.

By covering “Bring It On Down to My House, Honey,” Haggard solidified his connection to the legacy of Western swing and Bob Wills, ensuring that the song remained part of country music’s evolving history.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Bring It On Down To My House, Honey”