Moanin' The Blues
Merle Haggard · Hag-The Studio Recordings 1969-1976 [2007]
When my baby moved out and the blues moved in
There wasn't nothing I could do
But mosey around with my head in my hands yellin' what am I comin' to
And I just keep moanin' moanin' the blues
Well I wrote a nice long letter sayin' mama please come home
Your daddy is lonesome and all I do is moan.
I've been lovin' that gal for so doggone long
Can't afford to lose her now
I thought I was right but I must have been wrong
Because my head is startin' to bow
And I just keep moanin' moanin' the blues.
--- Instrumental ---
Well baby, baby, baby, honey baby, please come home
Your daddy is lonesome and all I do is moan
I promise you baby that I'll be good
And I'll never be bad no more.
I've been lovin' that gal for so doggone long
Can't afford to lose her now
I thought I was right but I must have been wrong
Because my head is startin' to bow
And I just keep moanin' moanin' the blues...
Moanin' The Blues
Merle Haggard delivers a haunting performance of 'Moanin' The Blues' on his 2007 compilation, Hag-The Studio Recordings 1969-1976. This track exemplifies Haggard's mastery of country blues and his ability to weave personal narrative with traditional musical structures. The recording captures the raw emotion characteristic of his work during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period where he frequently explored themes of hardship and resilience. With his distinctive vocal delivery and acoustic guitar accompaniment, Haggard transforms a classic blues motif into a deeply moving country ballad. The song stands as a testament to his skill in blending folk storytelling with the gritty sound of the blues, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in American roots music.