If I Could Only Fly - Joe Nichols

Joe Nichols performs a cover of Merle Haggard's "If I Could Only Fly" at the Country 97.1 HANK FM studios in downtown Indianapolis for a special group of listeners!

[@tonygolf76]

This is actually Blaze Foley's song, but Merle made it famous. Joe N. is one of those few country singers, as well as Merle, that can make you feel the words. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@tony-iv7lf]

Blaze didn't get the recognition that he deserved.

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

Exactly 💯

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

Very welcome

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

❤ very welcome

[@101662napo]

Why do the Karen’s always have to show what they know we all know that this is a blaze song, but Merle Haggard sing it and made it great you don’t have to tell people what they already know

[@PaulSchuster-yj4zb]

Nice heartfelt version of this beautifully written Blaze Foley song.

[@cherylharveyhill8383]

Joe was born to sing these songs. Takes your breath away.

[@murph3001]

You are soooooo right

[@benpeters2148]

So true he was

[@davidasbury5843]

Absolutely so good

[@user-zk9ro4qr9y]

My absolute favorite of Joe Nicols. Could listen to this over and over. Awesome!!❤

[@bernicejones933]

Our beloved Meryl really started something pretty special 💖

[@pollysmock4676]

I don't listen to much country music and have never heard this singer, but John Prine said some good things about the songwriter, Blaze Foley, and this song, so here I am, listening to this. The very first syllable he sang got me right in the gut with its beauty and resonance. A voice like that is a gift from God, Joe Nichols -- use it well and may the world hear you.

[@MariaMaria-oo3kj]

Find original Foley.

[@eddields]

Blaze Foley is worth checking out - songs like If I could Only Fly and Clay Pigeons are classics, and when John prime says he wished he'd written them you just know they're good!

[@anelladambrosio2513]

​@@eddieldsciao Eddie! 🙋‍♀️😍😘💘🍀

[@roge7113]

John prine covered a blaze foley song called clay pigeons, a great song

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

Love his voice,& yes God bless him 🙏

[@immedgerto]

Merle covered this song, Blaze Foley wrote it. This is a great version.

[@hectorasham8278]

Mr. Foley wrote such a wonderful song. Blaze Merle and Joe really done justice to this great song. Merle did it the best yeah yeah I know I'm a big Hag fan. Mr.Nichols sure has the voice for this music and I hope he keeps on singing.we need more Joe's.

[@2pi628]

Yes, I think Nichols version is the best. But out of respect here is Blaze Foley "If I could only fly" kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHPbaZmIhcSIrq8

[@minniegiesbrecht6808]

T Mike ..

[@fredwood420]

You got to admit, a great voice. He's got talent as well as looks. Todays country isn't country, it's marketable crap. Joe can sing and he makes it soulful. Well done.

[@murph3001]

WRONG!!!!!

[@eileenpalmisano426]

He is a great sings beautiful meet him in person in NJ and bought his autograph guitar and went on his bus for 5. Songs he sang to me beautiful man

[@lynnolson7986]

@@murph3001 8 West

[@treysmith1122]

In full agreement!

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

Straight up bud!!

[@strawman8111]

Those cool guitars and Joe makes Mr. Foley's song beautiful. Thank you Sir.

[@eiringundersen6037]

kid rock

[@user-db5ts2yt6o]

I love this young man. I'm sorry he died so young and fresh. He's wonderful.

[@LynnZB]

Joe Nichols is still alive, if that is who you are referring to.

[@user-db5ts2yt6o]

@@LynnZB thank you.

[@seanbrennan8077]

I sat here and just listened in silence, found myself crying like a child... absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

[@donalcorrigan4404]

🎉ft

[@steray8112]

Right there with you.

[@almanaylor2586]

You don't need a full band to have a great song. this is really great and I love Joe's voice.

[@ctrygirl2001aw]

Ladies and gentlemen this is pure talent. Take a good look at it. It's as rare as gold.

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

So very true my friend.

[@joshhendrickson1441]

Wow he sang it with ease that Merle did. Would love to hear him sit in with the Haggard boys!

[@georgewilson8062]

Last voice of real country music

[@wieberoelofoosterhof5635]

this is a beautiful song, i can listen to it over and over again

[@retaliaterguitar2]

By the legendary Duct Tape Messiah, Blaze Fowley

[@haroldbass6749]

Lost my little brother to brain cancer when he was 37 12 years ago and I have been a very lonely person since I lost him he was my best and brother love and miss you GARY More anybody could every image

[@sharonholsomback7769]

I listen to country all the time. Joe is one of the best. He has such a soft sweet voice.

[@sharonholsomback7769]

So glad he could kick the alcohol before he destroyed his marriage & his life!

[@user-zk9ro4qr9y]

This song speaks to my heart. What an absolutely beautiful rendition Joe. Awesome.❤

[@reeves624]

Fabulous performance of a song I just discovered. Many covers, but Merle and Joe Nichols do the best. How did I miss this song all my life?

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

You sure are right 👍

[@akeagleTL]

Joe Nichols has one of, if not the best voice in country music today. Unfortunately most of his album cuts are produced to appeal to country radio and really don't do his talent justice

[@lejonbrames8820]

so damn true

[@dannyrousseau4792]

I'D SAY HE HAS THE BEST

[@charlieboy1701]

akeagleTL name an artist that doesn’t. Than I you/

[@joshhendrickson1441]

Don't discount Ben Haggard, both equally talented

[@carolrodriguez1915]

He'sa wonderful Country singers and one of the best got the voice is so gorgeous to sing should be singing some more beautiful songs got the voice.hope he never give up singing.

[@joanndolberg4371]

Best ever rendition, in my opinion.

[@sbaldwinproperties7016]

Right On!

[@gerardhaubert8210]

JoAnn Dolberg research this song, it’ll bring a lump to your throat

[@pattivanlandingham2951]

This guy's rendition is a bit closer to Blaze's. If any of you haven't seen Ethan Hawke's film Blaze, be sure to--it's excellent.

[@ianburry5629]

It's good...but Blaze singing this at a wedding party in drunk mode...just him and his guitar..nothing tops that..

[@morriswilburn9858]

Outstanding guitar.

[@mstn4me]

ONLY JOE can sing this as good as Merle

[@BlackSheepDog1]

So much respect for Joe Nichols...thanks for paying homage to such a great song!!! How great it is to hear you sing it!

[@DavidSchmidt-vf5it]

This is the best cover of this song I've heard. I love the acoustic guitar work.

[@jasonlawson8980]

I agree on that 100%. Joe Nichols is so damn good, one of the best country singers ever imo and sadly forgotten. And as you said, man the guitars are so beautiful and the one guitarist is laying down some beautiful background vocals

[@murph3001]

Always come back here. This remains one of the great vocal performances Ever !

[@richardpatureau3980]

It’s sad that songs like this, with a simple arrangement, will never see the light of day on today’s country radio. The stuff I hear now I call “ bubble gum” country.

[@phenomenal68]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THAT PURE COUNTRY VOICE!!!!! AND HE AINT BAD ON THE EYES EITHER!!!!!!

[@owentyler7295]

Nice job on the Blaze song by Joe, a very accomplished singer. Please notice the kaypo position on the two guitars. Those two fellows are playing this beautiful music cross-corded. Thats why it is so beautiful. Every time i listen brings tears. An absolutely beautiful rendition.

[@LimeyAZ]

Joe , you have so much talent . Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us . ❤️

[@turtle19dad]

I think Joe is very underrated as a country singer.

[@blazingchris5048]

Yes, I think he's singing the wrong songs...

[@roberta.elliott2208]

blaze foley's song...this is a terrific rendition

[@lavers_1]

Blaze was the best

[@haywardsmith1429]

One talent we will never see again in this life time bar none

[@joshuawaltz9484]

Merle would be so proud. Joe Nichols deserves every achievement he attains.

[@ramsaymery2224]

Well done. It is difficult to not listen to this song a few times. Thank you.

[@chadeckman5525]

rip Merle. find Blaze Foley. this song is filled with your hearts. Thank you Blaze for such a meaningful song. you passed too soon.

[@barbaracassello4818]

This song gets to my heart!!!!

[@jeannettedavis9263]

Joe Nichols voice is so beautiful. Have always loved listening to him.

[@135paris]

The voice, the guitars, wonderful!

[@michaelzinc1]

If I Could Only Fly is the fiftieth studio album by American country singer Merle Haggard, released in 2000. The title song was written by Texas songwriter Blaze Foley. It reached number 26 on the Billboard Country albums chart.[1] Merle did a nice job - but, rest his soul, Blaze Foley wrote this beautiful song

[@bobbyshelton9254]

I watched a video of Merle, claiming that he wrote the song. No matter who wrote it, it is beautiful and both of them (Merle and Joe) have done awesome jobs with the delivery of such a heartfelt song and perfect melody. Truly an American treasure of great talent by all who put it all together.

[@101662napo]

Merle Haggard never claimed to write this song pretty annoyed with all the Karen’s

[@TheDancinbear62]

DARN...never realized this guy could sing like THIS!! It is amazing and awesome!!

[@davidasbury5843]

Best version I’ve ever heard

[@tylerjensen7999]

WOW! ! ! That was beautiful. Joe has such talent and you can tell he feels the music which he sings. Thanks for posting.

[@EuniceJohnson-vx2bk]

What a voice and such a handsome guy!!!

[@user-vs5to5uy7k]

Awesome!! awesome!!awesom3 ; cover of this song!!

[@MrFlatroofer]

Excellent version, really enjoyed

[@jennifervanhoose8229]

IF I COULD ONLY FLY, JOE'S VERSION IS "GREAT "!!!!!

[@all95621]

I sure can relate to what you said about your wife. My husband passed away in February this year. We listened to this song many times. God I miss him more everyday. Do the tears ever stop?? This is a very good cover. I think Hag would agree.

[@veravajr]

Such a great voice. He is awesome !

[@MrBernardesreis]

My God, amazing performance. It's like I had gone back in time and suddenly watching a presentation of Merle Haggard! Thanks the author of posting....

[@MrNekkid]

Yes, I know Blaze wrote this, but the fact is, I cried like a little girl thinking about my wife who passed away last November, and as long as the performer can evoke some emotion from you, they have succeeded in the songs light..

[@johnhconleyconley5887]

Love this music. Firsts time listener

[@allanhughes7859]

You now honestly own this song even Merel can not compete with this dont care what anyone says !!!!!!!

[@RonaldEarlWilsher]

Love Joe but he’s no Merle. Not even close.

[@allanhughes7859]

DEPENDS HOW YOU LOOK OR HEAR IT MEREL WAS NOT A GREAT SINGER BUT A GREAT WRIGHTER OF SONGS NO DOUBT BUT THIS JUY HAS A VOICE ??@@RonaldEarlWilsher

[@regcochrane4786]

Nope Not even close

[@nancyfancy2018]

Good job Joe...Merle can hear u whenever u sing now....your voice lends itself to his songs so well. Love it!

[@maxwelljose2241]

This is Blaze Foleys song

[@juanitarodriguez4778]

@@maxwelljose2241 o upkay thank you

[@timrouse9273]

My first time seeing this video..the repeat button is wore out!!

[@BigDaddy-vr2ut]

Lyric’s :I almost felt you touching me just now I wish I knew which way to turn and go I feel so good, and then then I feel so bad I wonder what I ought to do If I could only fly, if I could only fly I'd bid this place goodbye, to come and be with you But I can hardly stand, and I got no where to run Another sinking sun, and one more lonely night The wind keeps blowing somewhere everyday Tell me things get better, somewhere, up the way Just dismal thiking on a dismal day Sad songs for us to bare If I could only fly If we could only fly If we could only fly There'd be no more lonely nights You know sometimes I write happy songs Then some little thing goes wrong I wish they all could make you smile Coming home soon and I wanna stay Maybe we can somehow get away I wish you could come with me when I go again If I could only fly, if I could only fly I'd bid this place goodbye, to come and be with you But I can hardly stand, and I got no where to run Another sinking sun, and one more lonely night

[@suzanneroyster7832]

Good Lord !!! That’s an amazing song and an amazing voice singing it and two amazing guitarists playing and the harmony is just right!!!! Blaze and Merle are both very proud of you guys !! What a simple but perfect performance!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jimnoakes9394]

Just beautiful!! That's all I can say.thank you Joe no more lonely nights Blaze

[@jdhcgeucbdbdhch1338]

A beautiful voice with so much feeling he brings me to tears. Thank you joe. With love

[@laurieanne]

this song sends me to another planet...

[@cmusic05]

Best version so far. Musicians are phenominal. Joe Nichols is one of my favoarites.

[@angelaarnold3740]

Brilliant Joè Thanks SAW YOU in NASHVILLE AND YOU WERE AMAZING ❤❤❤😂😂😂

[@tommybolden4646]

Joe is a great singer for these type songs.

[@MsJohnniecool]

This is THE BEST version of this song I ever heard ... Joe and the boys are downright amazing !!! ( JC - Alberta ) .

[@rinacarty6874]

This is the best version of a fabulous song. It has been covered by numerous artists but this is quite brilliant. Blaze will be smiling in his place of rest. Gerry Farry

[@juanitarodriguez4778]

Joe makes me cry like a baby when he sings this song listen family I want this as the first and last song played at my farewell party

[@joem2166]

I almost felt you touching me just now I wish I knew which way to turn and go I feel so good and then, then I feel so bad I wonder what I ought to do If I could only fly, if I could only fly I'd bid this place goodbye to come and be with you But I can hardly stand and I got no where to run Another sinking sun and one more lonely night The wind keeps blowing, somewhere, everyday Tell me things get better, somewhere, up the way Just dismal thinking on a dismal day And sad songs for us to bare If I could only fly If we could only fly If we could only fly There'd be no more lonely nights You know, sometimes, I write happy songs Then some little thing goes wrong I wish they all could make you smile Coming home soon and I wanna stay Maybe we can, somehow, get away I wish you could come with me when I go again If I could only fly, if I could only fly I'd bid this place goodbye to come and be with you But I can hardly stand and I got no where to run Another sinking sun and one more lonely night

[@jameswilkey9434]

Joe is one to fill big shoes I saw him in yuma ariz in 2005 and it was hot that night in yuma and very muggy now if you have been fishing in 119 degrees it's hot when he came here he couldn't hit his high notes because of the heat but he is one of the best singers I've ever heard among all the rest of them god bless joe Nichols

[@123ewq]

i was NOT exepecting to like this cover, im a huge merle haggard fan, he did a great job with this. stayed really true to how merle sings, good job makin me feel the lyrics almost like merle does.

[@royzee28]

Oh! that is soooooo goood! What a man, first tuned to this version 12 years ago and Joe really does it justice!

[@windsonguntamedspirit3151]

A true natural God given talent. He can write as well as he sings. And he has the most powerful heart felt song's of any other artist no matter what the genre. Love him, his heart, his music.

[@lillianmills2110]

OMG! What a great rendition 💛

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

Awesome Man ❤

[@EricTheTriumphant]

My cousin sang this song at my mom's funeral this past June. It was absolutely beautiful.

[@user-vs5to5uy7k]

Absolutely beautifull sung Joe Nicols!!

[@kylegoorhouse5789]

fortunately I can match most of his notes so this song is one I sing to my 2 children over the phone at night while I'm gone for weeks at a time for the railroad.

[@paulwood8410]

what a nice thing to say....

[@bowesman1000]

A very nice version of the Blaze Foley song. Joe Nichols has Merle Haggard like timbre for sure. I never get tired of listening to this song no matter who is doing it. Willie Nelson does it great as well on Seashores of Old Mexico album.

[@tomcosgrave1423]

Thanks for posting this, it is a really nice version of this beautiful song by Michael David Fuller (Blaze Foley) and although Merle Haggard made this song his own it is a great pity that Mick fuller did not get the recognition he deserved for writing it.

[@jamesfisher7719]

Blaze Foley wrote it

[@stevehensley7731]

@@jamesfisher7719 that’s what he said 👷🏼‍♂️

[@chuckwalker5793]

Blaze Foley ya'll. I wish he got more recognition. The duct tape messiah was a great songwriter.

[@stevehensley7731]

Chuck Walker he must've sold the song to Merle at some point or Foley never had a copyright for it. Damn

[@2pi628]

@@stevehensley7731 He had a problem with self-sabotage and whiskey.

[@stevehensley7731]

T Mike, I sorta gathered that from the homelessness stories I've read recently. It's a shame that people who have so much talent and totally go a different and destructive route. I stopped drinking about 6 years ago , it wasn't really that tough but I was ready for a change. A lot more opportunities because I'm much more dependable.

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

Love this man❤

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

His voice is awesome

[@richardryan8609]

Fantastic. Great, great voice and unbeatable guitar work.

[@possumhayes]

Songs and singers like This can make you cry. NEW Country makes me cry for a different Reason

[@Madted1]

BEAUTIFUL - I'm sobbing!

[@raybruce8815]

It's only a few good country. Singers left anymore and he's at the top of my list.

[@tony-iv7lf]

probably the best version of the Blaze classic love the guitars.

[@all95621]

Yes Blaze Foley wrote this song, however if you could of heard Merle tell how he came to record it. Merle said, "Blaze came into his house boat at Mt. Shasta, and said, " I have this song, It's the best damn song I've heard in years would you record it"? This is how it became Merle's song. Now Jo Nichols has made an excellent cover of it. No disrespect meant for any of the other comments here.

[@billkimberlin9398]

BS Merl's long time manager turned him onto it

[@markive9907]

Joe & George straight ,are the only one in country that can do Merle’s Songs justice ❤️👍

[@ianburry5629]

It's not a Merle song though is it...for all his faults and impurities Blaze probably wrote one of the best songs about real life ever

[@Ms97763]

keep up Joe,..you are better than the rest in voice and real country music.., i like your voice much,..let the real country sound alive.....

[@fairleywijesinghe4024]

A country singer for sure hope he stays that way

[@janetleith2013]

Love this song and Joe Nichols

[@maureenmcmahon2077]

Me too ❤

[@chub4play]

Great one Blaze! If he has a mansion in heaven, look under the porch.

[@henryhall3207]

Great job need more of this in todays country

[@64fairlane305]

here`s one to fill their shoes!

[@2pi628]

Merle Haggard wore the shoes first.

[@dozer1642]

@@2pi628 do a little research bud. Merle didn’t write or compose this. He stole it. Blaze Foley wrote and composed this beautiful song and I will add, he sang it ten thousand times better than that self promoting star struck midget ever did.

[@hectorasham8278]

Both blaze and the Hag would be proud of mr.nichols.

[@jimmydelaney9586]

Just love this guy singing

[@MrJkfamilyguy59]

Good Ole Blaze Foley song. So sad Blaze had such a troubled life up until his death. Great songwriting. And of course great singing by Joe and the boys.

[@phenomenal68]

This song is my FAVORITE song of Merle's that Joe does!!

[@mikejoseph4720]

can't get enough of this truly outstanding performance ..pure , man ..

[@lindaowens9865]

Beautiful job! I was lucky enough to see him in an intimate little venue in Charlotte County Florida with a couple of other performers. Out of all the huge concerts I've attended in my (long) life, it was the best. He is special and they were hilarious together on that little stage. Also, very easy on the eyes!! 😁 Thank you Joe for a great and intimate concert under the stars!!

[@user-db5ts2yt6o]

Thank you. I'm so glad he's not dead. Wow. He's really good.

[@cmusic05]

Best version ever, guitar players fantastic and Joe, what a great voice.