Merle Haggard’s Gospel Music

Merle Haggard’s Gospel Music- A collection of Merle Haggard’s greatest gospel songs.

Introduction

Merle Haggard’s gospel music spans six decades and includes such classics as “I’ll Fly Away” and “Family Bible.” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the life and work of this country music legend.

Early Life and Career

Merle Haggard was born in April 1937 in Bakersfield, California. His father, James Francis Haggard, was a migrant worker who often moved the family around during Merle’s childhood. Merle started playing guitar at age 14 and soon began writing his own songs. He left home at age 16 and hitchhiked around the country, working odd jobs and getting into trouble with the law. In 1957, he was arrested for attempting to rob a service station and spent two years in jail.

Upon his release, Haggard reformed his ways and began focus on his music career. He met country singer Bonnie Owens, who became his wife and frequent duet partner. In 1963, Haggard had his first big hit with the song “Mama Tried.” He went on to enjoy a long and successful career, releasing more than 40 albums and scoring 38 No. 1 hits on the country charts. In 1994, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work as a country singer, Haggard also wrote and performed gospel music. He released his first gospel album, “Songs of Faith,” in 1966. He continued to record gospel albums throughout his career, although most of his mainstream success came from his country music recordings.

Haggard’s Gospel Music

Merle Haggard was a giant in the country music world, but his roots were in gospel music. Haggard’s father was a Pentecostal minister, and Haggard grew up singing in church. Haggard’s gospel music is some of the most beautiful and soulful music you’ll ever hear. Let’s take a look at some of Haggard’s best gospel songs.

“The Pilgrim, Chapter 33”

“The Pilgrim, Chapter 33” is a song written and performed by American country music artist Merle Haggard. It was released in June 1983 as the first single from the album Merle Haggard Presents His 30th Album. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in August 1983, becoming Haggard’s thirty-first Number One on that chart.

The song is a gospel song in which the singer talks about how he has been “a pilgrim all my life.”

“I Am a Pilgrim”

I am a pilgrim and a stranger
Traveling through this wearisome land
I’ve got a home in that yonder city, good Lord
And it’s not, not made by hand

Oh, I’m just passing through this world of woe
No place to lay my head
I’m just a-waiting for the day, good Lord
When I’ll be resurrected dead

I am bound for the promised land
I am bound for the promised land
O how I long to see
That beautiful city where my Savior reigns

Jesus died and was buried
He arose from the grave indeed
If He did it for me, He’ll do it for you, good Lord
Have faith and put your trust in Him

“If We Make It Through December”

“If We Make It Through December” is a song written and performed by American country music artist Merle Haggard. It was released in December 1973 as the lead single from the album Merle Haggard Presents His 30th Album. The song peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in February 1974.

The song is about a father who is struggling to make ends meet during the Christmas season. He worries that he will not be able to give his children the Christmas they deserve. Despite his financial struggles, the father remains hopeful and optimistic that things will get better.

Conclusion

Merle Haggard was a country music superstar who dabbled in gospel music late in his career. Though he never achieved the same level of success with his gospel recordings as he did with his country hits, Haggard’s gospel songs are some of the most beautiful and uplifting pieces in his entire catalog. If you’re a fan of Haggard’s music, or if you’re simply looking for some great gospel tunes, check out Merle Haggard’s gospel music.