Introduction:
Merle Haggard’s “What Am I Gonna Do (With The Rest Of My Life)” was released in 1983 as part of his album That’s the Way Love Goes. The song is a reflective ballad, typical of Haggard’s introspective writing style, where he contemplates life, love, and the uncertainty of the future after a failed relationship. It highlights Haggard’s deep, personal lyricism, which often connected with fans who appreciated his authentic storytelling.
The track was released as a single and performed well on the charts, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It remains one of Haggard’s beloved songs, capturing the emotional weight of loneliness and the bittersweet nature of moving forward when love ends. Known for his ability to blend traditional country with relatable, emotional depth, Haggard’s performance in this song resonates with his signature style of heartache, honesty, and wisdom.
Produced by Haggard along with his longtime collaborator, country producer Lewis Talley, the song features simple yet poignant instrumentation, with acoustic and steel guitars providing a backdrop to Haggard’s vocal delivery. The track is notable for its vulnerability and reflects Haggard’s more mature approach to life and love during this phase of his career.
“What Am I Gonna Do (With The Rest Of My Life)” continues to be a classic example of Merle Haggard’s legacy in country music, a testament to his talent for capturing universal themes through his own personal lens. It remains a favorite among fans of traditional country music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“What Am I Gonna Do (With The Rest Of My Life)”
I can make it for a day or two without you
And maybe I can make it through the night
I can smoke I can drink and probably be alright until morning
But what am I gonna do with the rest of my life.I’ve got things that I can do
I’ve got places I can go to this evening
I’ve got whiskey I can drink
That’ll help me not to think about you leaving
Yes I can smoke and I can drink
Probably be alright till morning
But what am I gonna do with the rest of my life.I’ve got things that I can do
I’ve got places I can go to this evening
I’ve got whiskey I can drink
That’ll help me not to think about you leaving
Yes I can smoke and I can drink
Probably be alright till morning
But what am I gonna do with the rest of my life.But what am I gonna do with the rest of my life…