Merle Haggard was and continues to be the real deal in spirit. His persona and disposition are not used for marketing tactics and a wider public appeal. Rather, what you saw is what you got: A hardworking dude with a troubled past just trying to do some good by making great music. That being said, Haggard knew exactly what he was and where he came from, and he never forgot that place nor the people who came from places like it.

Haggard’s music and lyrics always professed tropes regarding working class individuals and the lifestyle that ensued. Consequently, he became a spokesperson for the demographic thanks to his songs “Workin’ Man Blues” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me”. As novel as those songs are, Haggard wrote a poem that is arguably better and more encompassing of the message he often tried to convey.

The Common Man’s Poem: Merle Haggard

At an undetermined time and place, Merle Haggard wrote and read an untitled letter and or poem for the common man. In the broader canon of Merle Haggard, this letter is often forgotten. And to some, it has never been discovered. This is likely due to the fact that his rendition of the poem is entirely a spoken word performance. There are no instruments, no singing, and no band. Instead, the only music is in the poetry’s meter.

Here are the contents of Merle Haggard’s letter:

“Kind of guy I bet you’re sure proud to be / The common man is a common sight / And the common man ain’t always right / but the common man sure alright with me / I can’t stand the high toned brass / And I know him well when I see him pass / And if everybody else feels the way I do / They’re glad the lord only made the chosen few.“

Interpret the poem as you will, but the paradox within it is fairly clear. A paradox articulating that the common man’s commonness is what makes him entirely unique. Haggard has always had a way with words, but who knew he had a way with them in this medium?

There isn’t a large difference between lyrics and poetry. Though, there is a massive difference when there is an absence of music. Hence, this poem of Haggard’s is just another performance showing the man’s sprawling creative capacity and profound grasp of empathy.