Don Williams Then Merle Haggard - Sing Me Back Home

Here is a song with a varied treatment by two great country artists, Don Williams and Merle Haggard. Both are fabulous to my ear.
"Sing Me Back Home" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard. It was released in November 1967 as the first single and title track from the album Sing Me Back Home. The song was Merle Haggard's third number one. The single spent two weeks at number one and a total of 17 weeks on the country chart. It was also recorded live by the Byrds on There Is a Season.
The song was among several notable Haggard songs that touched on a common theme of his 1960s and early 1970s recordings -- prison. Haggard himself spent three years at San Quentin State Prison in California for his role in a botched robbery. "Sing Me Back Home" draws upon his friendship with a fellow inmate, "Rabbit," who was executed after an escape attempt led to the death of a security guard.
Here, the singer takes the role of an inmate at a state penitentiary, where a condemned prisoner is being led toward the death chamber. The inmate, who regularly plays guitar and sings in his jail cell to pass the time, is asked to perform a final song at the condemned prisoner's request before he and the guards continue on. As the song is completed, he reflects on a church choir's visit to the prison just a week earlier, where members performed hymns for the inmates; one of the songs evoked the soon-to-be-executed prisoner's memories of his mother and carefree childhood ... before his life went wrong.

[@SuperGrandlady]

I never get tired of listening to Don Williams and Merle Haggard.

[@stevetroje3790]

Top 10

[@elibaker6904]

Merle has been my favorite since the git-go, so I've probably been a major Merle fan for damn near 60 years. Also, Don Williams since I heard him sing Amanda, almost 50 years.

[@r9674800]

English Teacher

[@thomastommy1192]

God he has that low cut but up lifting voice. I liked Don Williams back in 70's and 80's. And I still do. He is a great singer and entainer.

[@dehoedisc7247]

Don got started with a group called The Pozo Seco Singers, and I still go back to that trio's songs, and they are Great.

[@SuperGrandlady]

Don Williams , he was great, as a young married woman , back in the 60's and 70's , I used to hear him , he gave me so many great memories.

[@heatherbrown4632]

I AM SO HONOURED TO HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO SEE MERLE PERFORM WHAT AN AMAZING SINGER WITH SUCH HEARTFELT EMOTION I REALLY MISS HIM RIP MERLE

[@nokchakichskichs5342]

I'm 25 now.. I'll tell my kids that this legend once walked the earth

[@bograms784]

Not sure which rendition I like the best, but I know that I am in tears. What a powerful song.

[@pamelagaines1596]

RIP Don Williams...you and Merle are back picking together again. Great memories.

[@V6MERC]

RIP Gentle Giant. .. My Father loved your music, please tell him that I love him when you see him in heaven. ..

[@blessingmakuyana1613]

"Take me away and turn back the years"............this is a great song. Go well Gentle Giant.

[@mariomoreno4190]

Oh the memories just come in as a flood. I remember as a kid riding in a tractor that had an 8track player. The tunes my dad would play were Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Marty Robbins and so on. Thank you Dad for all the good memories and thank you Hammer for posting.

[@gloryguzman9872]

i enjoy listening to Don Williams and though he is no longer with us, we hope he is resting in peace with the Lord.

[@angievigil2659]

Don Williams is a gigantic talent and a class act.

[@stevetroje3790]

I will miss him! I told my family if I could have one person sing at my funeral it would be D. W. Also I sat 10 ft. From him for 2hrs. And enjoyed every song. RSP!

[@hoschtonian1]

An amazing version of an amazing song. RIP to another lost legend.

[@timothylindman2565]

The gentle giant is the nicest person in music his heart soul are so big the best we love you don't never forget about you

[@kennywebb7932]

Thanks Mr. Williams for jumping at me another great artist to spend my night Social Media is stale and useless but never music

[@julianhazlett3270]

I love Don Williams and Merle Haggard's music. Long live classic country.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for visiting the channel.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for checking in with us.

[@lindakelly-smith9075]

Don Williams will always give me goose bumps when he sings.

[@verndaniel6780]

I didn't know don sang this song.he is just as good as merle!! R.I.P. MR.WILLIAMS.

[@gracerose6224]

Ijust heard that Don Williams died at 78. i am heart broken!!! Love his songs and his voice. my favorite is "I Believe in You!!"

[@Louise1563]

Jan, you are right they are both fabulous. I love Merle Haggard and I am also a big fan of Don Williams.

[@misiluki100]

R.I.P. Don. You sing me back home every time I listen to you sing.

[@Louise1563]

Jan, Thank you. My hero is Merle Haggard but I also love Don Williams, in fact I just bought the DVD of Don William's last concert in Ireland. These two singers are real country music that we don't hear today. I have most of Merle's albums. Never tire of him.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Louise for visiting the channel & taking the time to comment.

[@mdb60]

One of the best, one of my all time favorite artists.....so long Don, thanks for the memories...RIP . . .

[@robertakelley2495]

very few could play this song as well as merle but don plays it wonderfully

[@leninmarak77]

I love to listen Don's songs and I've collected all his songs, which I'm everyday listening....

[@Kerpieanne]

Love Don and his fantastic band

[@steveborth7093]

Great song sung by two great country singers, certainly grips one's heart.

[@jeremyblack3394]

We truly miss you both... Thanks for the music and all the memories.

[@sandrasee8438]

I loved your dads music Marty Noel Ben I never get tired of listening to hags sons and the hag

[@jimdover1324]

I dont think anyone but Merle can convey the raw emotion of this fantastic song , but Don would have to be the next best!

[@dannelson863]

Every song loved Don Williams. RIP one of those great Williams boys. And Merle too.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Dan for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@lucindacarpe485]

Two country singers that are among the finest.

[@darthall3322]

Truly Wonderful Mr Williams

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for checking out the channel.

[@victorshane2401]

GREAT CD I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SONG SING ME BACK HOME BEFORE I DIE THANKS DON RIP

[@terriecollins3787]

I love and miss Merle. Thank you for this wonderful video. Don Williams has never gotten the recognition that he deserves. They are both great.

[@annewhite4028]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us, I've always loved this song by Merle but I'd never heard Don Williams singing it before but I must say that I think he does a fine version of it.I saw him in Perth WA about 1994 and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen !!!!!!

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Anne for checking out The Hammer Works.

[@christophermay4998]

Just can't improve on the old music done the old way....a masterpiece the first time around....timeless music right here....

[@lucyyoung77777]

WONDERFUL

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Lucy. You are a fine person.

[@babyjd39]

Don Williams will be missed..Rip.

[@lorrihodge1031]

Don Williams and Meryl are two of the best.

[@nyanbemolothanaga48]

Sad that you are no more but your classics still keep us inspired

[@laureneebrown6468]

Listening to Merle Haggard from Billy Bobs in Texas on AXtv memories of him

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for visiting the channel.

[@nazardovlatyan5126]

Spectacular! No doubt about it at all. May Almighty bless you.

[@jackiefernando4485]

completely beautiful

[@jeanricketts6880]

Their music lives on for us to enjoy...Rip my friends

[@walkermartin2407]

Two that will be missed !

[@richardcurrier2878]

Walker Martjin p

[@davidcrabtree5845]

Whose gonna fill their shoes? No much of todays lineup can hold a candle to the different styles and songs of Hank, George, Merle, an now Don.

[@troyalcorn1184]

I love this honesty, but I wish more believed this honesty

[@jofelin]

What a nice product from two great artists! It is deep in meaning, melody and emotions

[@MrMarkaPa]

Oh my GOD!! I love this song 'twas awesome

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for visiting my channel.

[@cathycombs414]

Cephas L. Ralte n

[@paulwood8410]

two legends....greatly missed, thank you

[@johnnybratcher2647]

We Will Miss You Merle Haggard And Don Williams.

[@rayroberts3981]

boy he can sing love all of his songs

[@hoschtonian1]

When a Legend sings a Legends song.....

[@paulalger8156]

I've been a country musician all my grown up life - I'm 62 now. Merle and Don are both giants. Unbelievable talent in both men. Merle has been my idol since I was a young man. That said, and in true youtube trolling style, I have to point out that you managed to find the only video of Merle that I have ever seen where he muffed the lyrics on the first verse. Not many folks would notice it. I only know because I've been doing the song for 40 years. But it does my heart good to know that even Merle Hagard isn't infallible... But he doesn't mess up very often and when he does, he covers it really well.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Paul for checking in with us.

[@stephaniestinson7413]

Wow !!! They just don't make them like this anymore!!! I love real country music!!

[@somethingbad7157]

Rest in piece Gentle Giant

[@waynetrademark3006]

Heaven is now even more heavenly.

[@Devioussteyer]

That's good old school...

[@murchadha1]

Don did it beautifully .

[@eddierushing8707]

Both gone in less than 2 years, classic country is truly over.

[@darrylcastles8049]

That's as good as it gets.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Darryl for checking in with us.

[@kaljsr007]

will never forget Merle

[@sheliaray4080]

It's sad they're all leaving us.

[@hassethor]

Marvelous!!!!

[@twtnk9]

how on earth do you describe what merle does to you ,love it until its my time to leave this wonderful world.

[@kerryevans1562]

Ar dheis Dè go raibh a Anam dìlis ..... May their noble soul rest on the right side of the Lord. Greetings from Dublin Ireland brother WE cannot decide whom we miss the most Merle or Don Both were outstanding... Good idea putting them together.... Great intro

[@DougHinVA]

Mister Smooth... real country.

[@brucemacfloyd1379]

Beautiful rendition!!!!

[@lisatitus1813]

Love love this Listen to it for hours

[@ednasong3023]

i sure miss MerleHagger

[@radamson1]

Merle is one of my favorite and this was his song but Don lies him in the shade on this one.

[@minnierose15]

Rest in eternal peace Mr Don Williams,you will truly be missed (tears) 5/27/39.....9/8/17

[@belindastorey7854]

u r the best love ur music

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Belinda for visiting The Hammer Works.

[@shirleylindsay3240]

yes love don Williams

[@janhammer39]

As fine a voice as one can want in country.

[@missyevans4534]

a sound so beautifully I'd follow

[@stiglarnio1845]

Good song

[@troyalcorn1184]

be a friend to someone and get this own yourself so you can own friendships or just own yourself :)

[@user-dw2fr6eo1q]

Thanks your great full mind.

[@kentbeery8653]

Brilliant

[@jdpru6925]

Thank you for the back story. Had a hunch it was inspired by a real experience. Your story ads much more meaning to the song. 👍🏻

[@V6MERC]

Wow!

[@nelsonlugo45]

wow... just wow

[@janhammer39]

These two old pros were great but how about those bands?

[@nelsonlugo45]

Absolutely. There was Mickey on the harp, Jerry Jeff, and on and on. Love it. Just love it. A gem.

[@janhammer39]

Perfect arrangements too.

[@omersad48]

A very poignant and beautiful song.

[@tadekmarczak8790]

Great ...Great Great ...Merl...! Over All...! I begg Pardon !

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

RIP Don

[@haggardly79]

THANKS for POSTING !

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for visiting The Hammer Works.

[@chrisstout1112]

I'll just tell ya,I think we've come to the end of the greatest era that ever will be in country music, The American spirit & story as related by song.For 1,because of perfect timing in history.Butmost importantly because I just don't think you can grow humans like Merle w/ personalities or talent for tellin it like it is in such an emotional way in Russia or China or Africa or france(fraintz.) or the friggin moon for that matter......HE WAS THE BEST-BAR NONE

[@conner5901]

Rip don williams

[@olvinyldude]

A great pairing, of two fabulous artrists' ... Thanx for this ! ( Just subbed, also !

[@janhammer39]

thanks for checking in with us.

[@olvinyldude]

Yes Sir ! Two of my alltime fav Country Men ..( I just posted One Good Well a few weeks ago..

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for visiting The Hammer Works.

[@olvinyldude]

yes sir !

[@sandraalexander5325]

There's no one like the Hag

[@mrrebel5150]

r.i.p. mr williams..

[@missyevans4534]

that's the way angle's sing

[@dochyde9058]

Bears playing musical here in a long time

[@asirajay4033]

❤❤

[@targarosko]

♥♥♥

[@waynetrademark3006]

That's what I call a double doo da.

[@josephcarpenter6921]

Boyos always

[@troyalcorn1184]

it is difficult to trust

[@grannyloca5886]

I've always enjoyed don Williams but this isn't his style n it sounds like it.Even Merle's boys have a hard time with it n they can sing like their daddy,especially the baby Ben legendary song's are very hard to cover.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Granny for taking the time to express your views.

[@lorrihodge1031]

Oh yeah Ben Haggard is a total fox. They all look good but none are better looking than their Dad was.