About the song
Merle Haggard and the Big City
Merle Haggard was a country music icon, known for his outlaw persona and his Bakersfield sound. His songs often told stories of the working class and the struggles of everyday life. One of his most famous songs is “Big City,” a tale of a man who leaves his small-town home to seek his fortune in the big city.
The song begins with the narrator describing his small-town life. He sings about how he’s “tired of this dirty old city,” and how he’s “tired of these dirty old sidewalks.” He dreams of a better life in the big city, where he can “walk off my steady job” and “make a million dollars.”
The narrator arrives in the big city and is immediately overwhelmed. He sings about how the city is “too big, too fast, too bright,” and how he feels “lost and alone.” He soon realizes that city life is not as easy as he thought it would be. He struggles to find a job, and he ends up living in a “fleabag hotel.”
Despite his struggles, the narrator never gives up hope. He sings about how he’s “gonna make it in this big city,” and how he’s “not gonna give up.” He knows that city life is tough, but he’s determined to succeed.
“Big City” is a classic country song that tells a timeless story. It’s a story about the American dream, and the struggles that people face in pursuit of that dream. The song is also a reminder that city life is not always easy, but it can be rewarding for those who are willing to work hard.
Some additional details about the song:
- “Big City” was written by Merle Haggard and Dean Holloway.
- It was released in 1981 as the title track of Haggard’s album Big City.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
- It has been covered by many artists, including George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Toby Keith.
“Big City” is a significant song in the history of country music. It is a classic example of the Bakersfield sound, and it helped to make Merle Haggard one of the most popular country singers of all time. The song’s themes of the American dream and the struggles of city life continue to resonate with listeners today.
Video
Lyrics
“Big City”
I’m tired of this dirty old city
Entirely too much work and never enough play
And I’m tired of these dirty old sidewalks
Think I’ll walk off my steady job todayTurn me loose, set me free
Somewhere in the middle of Montana
And give me all I’ve got comin’ to me
And keep your retirement
And your so called social security
Big city, turn me loose and set me freeBeen working everyday since I was twenty
Haven’t got a thing to show for anything I’ve done
There’s folks who never work and they’ve got plenty
Think it’s time some guys like me had some funSo, turn me loose, set me free
Somewhere in the middle of Montana
And give me all I’ve got comin’ to me
And keep your retirement
And your so called social security
Big city, turn me loose and set me free
Hey big city, turn me loose and set me free