Introduction
While often credited as a duet by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, “Okie from Muskogee” was actually released solely by Haggard in 1969. The song, co-written by Haggard and drummer Roy Edward Burris, became an instant hit and remains one of his most recognizable tunes. However, its legacy is complex.
Composed during the height of the Vietnam War protests, “Okie from Muskogee” takes the perspective of a fiercely patriotic American, specifically someone from Muskogee, Oklahoma. The lyrics celebrate traditional values, flag-waving patriotism, and support for the military. Lines like “We don’t love hippies and we don’t love folks who burn draft cards down” became rallying cries for some and insults to others.
Haggard, a former convict himself, stated the song stemmed from his belief that protestors didn’t understand the value of freedom they were taking for granted. He saw the soldiers fighting in Vietnam as heroes and felt the protestors were disrespecting their sacrifices.
“Okie from Muskogee” divided the country along cultural lines. Country audiences embraced it, but for many, it became a symbol of intolerance and resistance to change. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to the cultural tensions of the era and continues to spark debate today.
This introduction provides a neutral overview of the song’s history, highlighting its catchy melody, Haggard’s authorship, and the cultural divide it created. It avoids stating opinions as facts and lets the listener approach the song with an informed perspective.