Okie from Muskogee
Ferlin Husky · Your Love Is Heavenly Sunshine [Capitol] [1970]
We don't smoke marijuana in Muskogee
And we don't take trips on LSD
We don't burn our draft cards down on Main Street
'Cause we like living right and being free.
And we don't make a party out of loving
But we like holding hands and pitching woo
We don't let our hair grow long and shaggy
Like the hippies out in San Francisco do.
And I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee
A place where even squares can have a ball
We still wave Ol' Glory down at the courthouse
And white lightning's still the biggest thrill of all.
Leather boots are still in style for manly footwear
Beads and Roman sandals won't be seen
Football's still the roughest thing on campus
And the kids here still respect the college dean.
And I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee
A place where even squares can have a ball
We still wave Ol' Glory down at the courthouse
And white lightning's still the biggest thrill of all.
And white lightning's still the biggest thrill of all
(In Muskogee, Oklahoma U.S.A...)
Okie from Muskogee
Ferlin Husky's "Okie from Muskogee" stands as a defining anthem of the 1960s outlaw country movement, capturing the spirit of the American West with its distinctive twang and themes of rural independence. Released on his album "Your Love Is Heavenly Sunshine," the track became an unexpected cultural flashpoint when it was adopted by the National Guard, sparking a national debate over the song's perceived glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the controversy, the recording solidified Husky's reputation as a master of the genre, showcasing his ability to blend traditional storytelling with a rebellious edge that resonated deeply with listeners across the nation. The song remains a pivotal piece in the history of country music, illustrating the complex intersection of regional identity and national politics during the era.