Merle Haggard on His Kennedy Center Honor, Meeting Obama and Oprah and More

Rolling Stones ^ | DECEMBER 28, 2010 | Patrick Doyle

[blade_tenner]

It was also nice to meet Obama and find him very different from the media makeout. It's really almost criminal what they do with our President. There seems to be no shame or anything. They call him all kinds of names all day long, saying he's doing certain things that he's not. It's just a big old political game that I don't want to be part of. There are people spending their lives putting him down. I'm sure some of it's true and some of it's not. I was very surprised to find the man very humble and he had a nice handshake. His wife was very cordial to the guests and especially me. They made a special effort to make me feel welcome. It was not at all the way the media described him to be.

[blade_tenner]

The only thing I agreed with is "It was not at all the way the media described him to be".

The media are soft-pedalling him Merle, and you're helping them along! OF COURSE everyone's going to be nice at these public events.. I wish that artists and actors didn't get so much press over their political statements..

And I like Merle Haggard....

[EagleUSA]

“It’s really almost criminal what they do with our President.”

::::::::::::::::::

I could not read past this line. There was no need to.

[righttackle44]

Sounds as if Muskogee might not agree with you, Merle.

[al baby]

FUMH

[WayneS]

Maybe he’s been hanging out on Willy Nelson’s bus a little too much lately.

[headstamp 2]

“Sounds as if Muskogee might not agree with you, Merle.”

Yes, Merle is looking a little Haggard lately.

[NormsRevenge]

wife made me endure show...

I admire Merle for being the survivor that he is.

and sitting next to Oprah..

and not popping his dentures out.. :-)

[Hoodat]

The first thing I remember knowing,
Was a lonesome whistle blowing,
And a young un's dream of growing up to ride;
On a freight train leaving town,
Not knowing where I'm bound,
No-one could change my mind but Mama tried.

One and only rebel child,
From a family, meek and mild:
My Mama seemed to know what lay in store.
Despite all my Sunday learning,
Towards the bad, I kept on turning.
'Til Mama couldn't hold me anymore.

[GunRunner]

Well, the Okies did elect a two term Democratic Governor. Not surprising.

I don't see what's "criminal" about criticizing the President.

[HerrBlucher]

So Haggard likes the abortomaniacal anti christian anti freedom illegitamate prez, very sad. Even Hitler was nice to people he met with and why not, that is how you get your way and get his way he did with Chamberlain. I wonder if Haggard thought similar about Bush, about how terrible he was treated and how criminal it was.

[Magic Fingers]

” I was very surprised to find the man very humble...”

You alone, among 300 million citizens. Merle, I like your (older) music but you’re a dumbass.

[Sybeck1]

If we make it through December
Everythings gonna be all right I know
It’s the coldest time of winter
And I shivver when I see the fallin snow

If we make it through December
I got plans of bein in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we’ll be fine

I got laid off down at the factory
And there timings not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I been workin’ hard
I wanted Christmas to be right for daddy’s girl
Now I don’t mean to hate December
It’s meant to be the happy time of year
And why my little girl don’t understand
Why daddy can’t afford no Christmas here

If we make it through December
Everythings gonna be alright I know
It’s the coldest time of winter
And I shivver when I see the fallin’ snow

If we make it through December
I got plans of bein’ in a warmer town come summer time
Maybe even California
If we make it through December we’ll be fine

[crusty old prospector]

“We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee.” Maybe now, they do.

[americanophile]

This is like reading a child’s reaction to meeting the president.

[Lazlo in PA]

Merle has been a full out Commie Pinko his whole life. He was a Hitlery supporter and then went full bore for Obummer. He had people walk out on his concerts because he sang a song "Hillary".

[wbill]

BO is a politician. Means that, in general, he's good at fooling people.

Particularly those who WANT to be fooled.

[Mr. Bird]

I was surprised to watch an interview with Haggard a few years ago which clearly revealed a real populist/left orientation. I suppose someone of his generation and background could be inclined to distrust the caricature of conservatives, but his embrace of clearly liberal politics is disappointing.

[americanophile]

Indeed.

[MsLady]

What a dip!!

[2ndDivisionVet]

Haggard pens new song in honor of Obama

Country legend and Oildale favorite son Merle Haggard was so moved by the historic events unfolding in Washington this week that he wrote a song praising President Barack Obama.

Haggard penned “Hopes Are High” late Sunday night and was recording it Tuesday, according to publicist Tresa Redburn.

Haggard made headlines in 2007 when he wrote a song for Hillary Clinton, Obama’s rival among Democrats for the party’s nomination for president. But he told Billboard.com that he wasn’t trying to stir any pots with the song. “I’m just reacting to the news,” he was quoted as saying.

Haggard, currently between record labels, hopes to have the tune on the Internet in a week, Redburn said.

“Hopes Are High”

Hopes are high, faith is strong

If we all try we can get along

Cause there’s a new day and a brighter day

With a new song to sing along

And there’s sunshine and blue sky

And hopes are high

There’s a blue bird atop a tree

Singing loud for you and me

He’s got a new note and a brighter note

That we should sing and let ring

Cause there’s sunshine and a blue sky

And hopes are high

We’ve got the bad times behind us

And the Good times up ahead

Bet your money on the promise land

And the good things that He said

We got a new style with a sincere smile

And a new song to sing along

And we’ve got sunshine and a new guy

And hopes are high

Hopes are high

We’ve got the bad times behind us

And we’ve got the good times up ahead

Put your money on America

And the good things he said

Cause there’s a new day and a brighter day

With a new song to sing along

And there’s sunshine and blue sky

And hopes are high
.
http://merlehaggard.com/2009/01/haggard-pens-new-song-in-honor-of-obama/