About the song
“Sing Me Back Home” by Merle Haggard is a poignant country ballad that resonates with listeners through its emotional storytelling and soulful melody. Released in 1967 as part of his album “Sing Me Back Home,” the song was both written and performed by Haggard himself.
The song tells the tale of a condemned prisoner on death row who requests that his fellow inmates sing him one last song before he meets his fate. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics, Haggard captures the longing for home and the desire for solace in the face of impending doom.
“Sing Me Back Home” quickly gained popularity upon its release, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, marking yet another success for Haggard in his illustrious career. Its universal themes of loss, redemption, and the power of music to soothe the soul struck a chord with audiences across the country.
As one of Haggard’s signature songs, “Sing Me Back Home” has earned its place as a timeless classic in the country music genre. Its emotional depth and haunting melody continue to captivate listeners, cementing Haggard’s reputation as one of the greatest storytellers in country music history.
The song’s legacy lives on through its enduring popularity and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Covered by numerous artists over the years, “Sing Me Back Home” remains a testament to Haggard’s songwriting genius and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
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Lyrics
The warden led a prisoner down the hallway to his doom
I stood up to say goodbye like all the rest
And I heard him tell the warden just before he reached my cell
Let my guitar playing friend, do my request
Let him sing me back home with a song I used to hear
Make my old memories come alive
Take me away and turn back the years
Sing me back home before I die
I recall last Sunday morning a choir from ‘cross the street
Came to sing a few old gospel songs
And I heard him tell the singers
There’s a song my mama sang
Can I hear once before we move along?
Sing me back home, the song my mama sang
Make my old memories come alive
Take me away and turn back the years
Sing me back home before I die
Sing me back home before I die