Sing Me Back Home

by Merle Haggard

Book by Merle Haggard, Peggy Russell

Genres: Music, Biography, Memoir, Nonfiction

287 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Merle Ronald Haggard was an American country and Western songwriter, singer, guitarist, fiddler, and instrumentalist. In 1994, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Gayle Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merle Haggard's autobiography was an engrossing read and hard to put down. The book form was as conversational as if Merle were in the same room and sharing the intimate details of his life over a beer. Unlike some celebrity life stories, this one did not skim over the low points to name drop and focus on stories inside show biz.

Merle wished he had declined the invitation to see Elvis backstage because he felt differently about Elvis afterward. I hoped my enjoyment of Merle's music would not be adversely affected by knowing about the shortcomings in his life. Partly because he doesn't make excuses for himself and partly because I still enjoy his incredible voice, I do not regret knowing more about him.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Merle Haggard's music.

[Dale Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hag's real life reads better than fiction. I've read the book many times, and heard the stories from him personally. They still never get old. Whether you are a country music fan or not, you will enjoy this book just for the story.

[Ronda Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up listening 🎶 to a lot of Merle because he was my Daddys favorite singer. I can now count myself as a huge Merle Haggard fan and can rightfully claim him as one of my favorites, too. I don't know why there hasn't been a movie made on his life, but truthfully, it would probably have to be a mini series cause there's way too much to fit into 2 hours. I loved this book! It's so raw, truthful and heartfelt. He doesn't mince words and absolutely tells it like it is. I wish I could have told him the impact his music has always had on my life & always will. Merle Haggard music takes me to the depths of soul, tears me apart & returns me healed. I'm so thankful for his life & his musical genius. I hope he knows...but somehow I think he does..

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it fairly boring. Haggard was a delinquent in his youth and tells every delinquent story here. Oh and he had a secret love for Dolly Parton I guess. His second wife was a bridesmaid for his third wife. It's all kind of weird really. The Hag may write a boring book, but he can sure write a good song and that's what counts. Only wish he touched more on the music in the book.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea Merle Haggard knew such crazy people! This book was hilarious! Especially the parts about the crazy ex wife jumping out the car! And Merle's obsession with Dolly Parton! I laughed until I thought I might die!

[Daniel Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heck of a story. Very honest and quite interesting. There are parts in here where I just laughed out loud yet others where you can feel his pain.

[Clayton.rayborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite singer/songwriter...he has lived quite a life, if your a fan you will love this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about Merle's childhood and family life and see that he did indeed come from a stable and loving home. His father died when Merle was nine years old, so that likely had much to do with his search for adventure. His mother was working full time to provide for the family and he was left to his own devices much of the time.
This autobiography covers his life through 1981, his years in juvenile detention centers, San Quentin when Johnny Cash played for the inmates, his four marriages up to that point, and his rise to stardom.
Talent is the foundation, but he was in the right place at the right time to make it happen.

"... the absolute magic of the music. How many times have I been washed clean by that sound- taken away by the feeling brought on by an old flat-top guitar and a country song?"

"It's been song after song, strung together from the sum total of all I am, all the places I've been, and all the people I've known and loved."

"The music begins to fill all the cracks in my tired mind- touching and healing old wounds and new pain as it eases its way right into the corners of my soul- the way it always has. The way it always will."

[Shelley Alongi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad grade. Not the complete story obviously. I noticed that some of the songs quoted at the beginning‘s of chapters I did not know. I am pretty familiar with his music but there are some songs I will going to go find and listen to. I found it to be an honest portrait and I’m sure that it was not always easy writing that book. There may be things left out also but it wasn’t too bad it was very interesting and places because I did not know he was raised in Bakersfield.

[Heather Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the more fun of Merle's autobiographies. "My House of Memories" largely writes out Leona Williams and while still frank, avoids anything too controversial, seeming more concerned with Hag's legacy. This book is more fun, in an almost trashy sort of way, written with Haggard's signature cleverness and humor. Can't say if it's all completely accurate, in that way that country songs can often exaggerate stories, but it's a hell of a ride.

[Rob Blackwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a beautiful representation of his life. in no way did it go too deep, it didn't get too information heavy, it really flowed. god damn did that dude go to jail a lot. especially as child, his incarceration stories are heartbreaking. this book really clearly defined his ability to do hardened prison stories that felt real while still writing beautiful tender ballads.

[Billy Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is written in the authors voice, is very open and honest and unfortunately made me not like the author as I did before I read it. Its very eye opening and describes his career and his life before that career, with harrowing stories of his time in prison and things he did to get there. I recommend if you have an interest in the author/artist and if you like auto-bio books.

[Elvis2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up. A great singer but a boring story unless you like trashiness.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is very real & transparent but his language is very obscene. However, I learned a lot about the man & his career. Interesting

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars because it’s about Merle. And it seems he didn’t mind letting it all out. Details of his youth, marriages, etc. nothing is off limits here it seems.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly proves that Merle Haggard's life WAS a country song. I always loved the songs he wrote, considering them more poetry than song. The book doesn't gloss over his flaws; rather it portrays him as a small-time criminal and a man who didn't treat women well. Though I still love the music, I found I didn't like the man as well after reading this.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

In which Merle Haggard kisses a man and gets pardoned by Governor Ronald Reagan.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Merle Haggard's songs, so was eager to read hs autobiography. I see where Merle got his ideas for his songs. He lived them. An excellent book to read for anyone who is a Merle Haggard fan.

[Paul Panamarenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Merle and biographies, so this one was right up my alley.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good autobiography about a talented but troubled man.

[T.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful.