Merle Haggard’s Resonant Performance of “The Fightin’ Side of Me”

“The Fightin’ Side of Me” is a country song by Merle Haggard, released in 1970. The song was written by Merle Haggard.

“The Fightin’ Side of Me” is known for its patriotic and controversial lyrics, expressing a conservative viewpoint during a time of social and political unrest in the United States, particularly during the Vietnam War era. In the song, Haggard expresses frustration with those protesting against the war and advocates for a strong sense of patriotism.

The lyrics include lines such as “If you don’t love it, leave it,” reflecting a sentiment that resonated with a segment of the population but also drew criticism for its divisive nature. Despite the controversy, the song struck a chord with many listeners who shared Haggard’s views.

Merle Haggard’s assertive vocals, combined with the song’s catchy melody, contributed to its commercial success. “The Fightin’ Side of Me” became one of Haggard’s signature songs and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1970.

While the song is controversial and reflects a specific moment in history, it remains a notable entry in Merle Haggard’s catalog and is often discussed in the context of its impact on the country music landscape during a tumultuous period in American history.