Merle Haggard’s Wayward Youth.

In recent Blogs I have mentioned my admiration for the music and success of Merle Haggard, since the late 60’s, when I first became aware of him and his music.

That is not to say that I admire everything about the man however. In fact there is much not to like about his past! However he overcame his wayward youth and used it to full advantage in his later musical career.

I remember reading in an old book about him (late in the 80’s) that there was a Book called “America’s 19 Dumbest Crooks” (?) It was so popular that they put out a second Volume. Guess who made it into the second volume?

It seems having taken to the booze and crime, Merle and a buddy as young delinquents, decided to break into a restaurant in the middle of the night. However being so drunk that they mixed up the time, they “broke in” while the restaurant was still open and of course got caught red handed and muddle-brained. He ended up spending time in prison for it. During his time in prison he became a member of their county Band. Not with any genuine enthusiasm, but initially just out of boredom; however was eventually really inspired to take it up as a carer, when Johnny Cash performed there.)

Later he cleaned up his act and became a singer songwriter to quite some success, but his real success came later when he started writing songs that including a lot of material from his misspent youth and alcoholic ways.

Of course not all written in his songs is the whole truth, but rather based on truth and elaborated on to fit the song and theme. As he himself has supposedly said, “I didn’t turn 21 in Prison doing life without parole (As stated in his song, "Mama Tried;) but you have to admit it sounds better than, "Turned 21 in prison doing 9 to 16 for Grand larceny!” (Which He did.)

So Merle was finally able to overcome his wayward past and eventually use the knowledge gained form it to his own advantage, to set himself up in life.

What about you? Yes you may have had, or still have for that matter, a lousy past, but you can get past it. You may need help, (Mother like with Merle, or other family, or medical or other professional help) and inspiration (Johnny Cash), but it can be done and like Merle, you to can use some of the lessons and experiences of your past to help you, and even others, to move on to a successful and fulfilling life. Can’t you? What say you?