Introduction:
“Mixed Up Mess of a Heart,” written by Merle Haggard and Tommy Collins, captures Haggard’s classic storytelling style in a honky-tonk tune about heartbreak and betrayal. First recorded in 1966, the song initially appeared on Tommy Collins’ album Leonard before Haggard took it on himself, lending his own voice to its pained lyrics. The song’s narrative highlights a common theme in Haggard’s catalog: a love gone wrong and a protagonist grappling with emotional chaos left behind by a former lover. Its traditional country style, replete with acoustic strumming and heart-wrenching lyrics, speaks to Haggard’s influence from the Bakersfield sound—a raw, gritty, and more independent style of country popular in California during the 1960s.
Though not one of Haggard’s mainstream hits, “Mixed Up Mess of a Heart” is well-regarded for its authentic country roots, embodying the emotional, often melancholic elements that would come to define much of Haggard’s music throughout his career. The song remains a beloved deep cut for fans, showcasing Haggard’s penchant for writing songs that reflect life’s hardships and disappointments. Haggard’s works, even lesser-known pieces like this one, contributed to his legacy as one of country music’s greatest storytellers and performers.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Mixed Up Mess Of A Heart”
Yeah, a little, bitty woman gonna tear you all apart
I warned you a thousand times
But you wouldn’t listen nor pay me no mind
You poor, broke, mixed up, mess of a heartYeah, I watched her buy her tickets in Charlotte, North Carolina
And I heard her say, “One-way, please, to Denver”
She’s goin’ to meet that other guy and it won’t do us no good to cry
‘Cause she’s wearin’ his ring on her finger
Oh, you poor, broke, mixed up, mess of a heart
Yeah, a little, bitty woman gonna tear you all apart
Yeah, I warned you a thousand times
But you wouldn’t listen nor pay me no mind
You poor, broke, mixed up, mess of a heart
Well, I watched her tip the porter
As she stepped aboard that midnight train bound to take her faraway forever
I watched the tail light fade away knowing she was goin’ to stray
And I wish this broken heart was leavin’ with her
Oh, you poor, broke, mixed up, mess of a heart
Yeah, a little, bitty woman gonna tear you all apart
I warned you a thousand times
But you wouldn’t listen nor pay me no mind
You poor, broke, mixed up, mess of a heart
You poor, broke, mixed up, mess of a heart