The Fightin' Side of Me
Merle Haggard · 1970
31 min · 13 tracks · country music
A blend of traditional country sounds with sharp, socially conscious lyrics reflecting the struggles and pride of American life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Okie From Muskogee — This track captures the essence of Haggard's critique of counterculture by celebrating small-town values and traditional lifestyles amidst rising societal changes.
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The Fightin’ Side of Me — As the title track, it encapsulates Haggard's fierce pride and defense of the American spirit during tumultuous times, connecting deeply with listeners' sentiments.
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I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am — Haggard's reflection on personal dignity and self-worth resonates powerfully, embodying the themes of pride and resilience that permeate the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Haggard blends traditional sounds with sharp lyrics, creating an album that resonates with its time and audience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a conversational tone before transitioning into melodic country tracks.
- Several tracks feature prominent fiddle and steel guitar, characteristic of traditional country instrumentation.
- The title track features a strong, anthemic chorus that contrasts with the more introspective themes of other songs on the album.
- The medley near the end showcases Haggard's ability to blend multiple classic country songs into a cohesive performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo storytelling
- vibrant narratives of everyday life
- short tracks for quick bursts
- sing-along moments with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, complex compositions
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Haggard's reputation with its resonant themes and commercial success.
- Career context
- By 1970, Merle Haggard had already established himself as a leading figure in country music, following his breakthrough album 'Mama Tried' released in 1968. 'The Fightin’ Side of Me' marked his fifth studio album, further solidifying his reputation for addressing social issues through music during a time of significant cultural upheaval in America.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Waylon Jennings· Johnny Cash· George Jones
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Opening Theme – Hammin’ It Up 0:21
- 2 I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am 1:52
- 3 Corrine Corrina 2:24
- 4 Every Fool Has a Rainbow 2:29
- 5 T.B. Blues 2:12
- 6 When Did Right Become Wrong 2:44
- 7 Philadelphia Lawyer 2:55
- 8 Stealin’ Corn 1:28
- 9 Harold’s Super Service 2:05
- 10 Medley: Devil Woman / I’m Movin’ On / Folsom Prison Blues / Jackson / Orange Blossom Special / Love’s Gonna Live Here 5:02
- 11 Today I Started Loving You Again 2:00
- 12 Okie From Muskogee 2:48
- 13 The Fightin’ Side of Me 2:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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