About the song
Merle Haggard and “Silver Wings”: A Country Music Classic
“Silver Wings” is a country music song written and recorded by Merle Haggard. It was released in 1969 as the second single from his album A Portrait of Merle Haggard. The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Silver Wings” is considered one of Haggard’s signature songs and has been covered by many artists, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and The Chicks.
The song is a ballad about a man who is watching his lover leave on an airplane. The man sings about how he will miss her and how he hopes she will come back to him. The song is full of vivid imagery, such as the “silver wings” of the airplane and the “tears” in the man’s eyes.
“Silver Wings” is a classic country music song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about love, loss, and longing. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics and Haggard’s heartfelt performance have made it a favorite among country music fans for generations.
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard (1937-2016) was an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was one of the most popular and influential country music artists of all time. Haggard was known for his distinctive voice and his outlaw country music style. He wrote and recorded many classic country songs, including “Okie from Muskogee,” “Mama Tried,” and “Silver Wings.”
Haggard was born in Oildale, California, in 1937. He grew up in poverty and began playing music at a young age. He was incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison in the early 1960s, where he began writing songs. After his release from prison, Haggard became a successful country music singer.
Haggard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007. He was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2010. Haggard died in 2016 at the age of 79.
“Silver Wings”: A Cultural Touchstone
“Silver Wings” has been used in a number of films and television shows, including The Big Lebowski, The Sopranos, and Breaking Bad. The song has also been covered by many artists, including Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and The Chicks.
“Silver Wings” is a classic country music song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about love, loss, and longing. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics and Haggard’s heartfelt performance have made it a favorite among country music fans for generations.
Video
Lyrics
“Silver Wings”
Silver wings shining in the sunlight
Roaring engines headed somewhere in flight
They’re taking you away, leaving me lonely
Silver wings slowly fading out of sight”Don’t leave me,” I cry
Don’t take that airplane ride
But you locked me out of your mind
Left me standing here behindSilver wings shining in the sunlight
Roaring engines headed somewhere in flight
They’re taking you away, leaving me lonely
Silver wings slowly fading out of sightSilver wings shining in the sunlight
Roaring engines headed somewhere in flight
They’re taking you away, leaving me lonely
Silver wings slowly fading out of sight
Slowly fading out of sight