Merle Haggard was a true country outlaw, and a legendary musician. Perhaps the last of our time to follow in the traditional hardtack footsteps of his forefathers. With a career spanning decades and dozens of hit songs, the man will go down in history.
In 1966, Haggard released his first hit single, “I’m A Lonesome Fugitive”, from his album of the same name. The song put Haggard on the map, and it just kept getting better from there.
14 years later, with 25 number one hits under his belt, the singer was at a high point in his career. He’d just finished dominating the outlaw country scene when he released a track that would become one of his biggest hits, and immortalize him in country music history.
“I think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink” was the second single from his album Back To The Barrooms. It spent twelve much deserved weeks on the country chart, and snagged that coveted number one position in no time.
We have to wonder if Haggard knew his time was coming when he took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry last fall. He finished off his evening of performance with this classic song, playing alongside son, Ben. It would be his last on that famous stage, and we think it was one of his best.
Watch the Hag perform “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink” in the video below!
Merle Haggard is worth another look, and Amazon has a good amount of it. A purchase through our link sends a few cents our way and helps keep the lights on.
