Merle Haggard - The Fightin Side Of Me (Live) REACTION!! | OFFICE BLOKES REACT!!

[@sharonburcham25]

This is exactly how I feel about my country! Not those in charge!!! The people!! ❤️Tennessee 🇺🇸

[@daveconder4351]

AMEN SISTER 👍❤️🇺🇸🥃

[@rickward460]

"We say Grace and we say Amen...if you ain't into that we don't give a damn!"😎🇺🇸 From Memphis to Mountain City..."Ain't it good to be alive and be in Tennessee." Rest in Paradise Charlie🙏

[@0101tuber]

Ya know one thing about this song that isn't dated? The lyrics. We are still here, and ready to deal with it.

[@terribenton9885]

Absolutely! As I was listening again to this song after many years, I could not believe how relevant it is today! Thanks for pointing that out!

[@User_32]

Except for the fact that he wrote the song ironically and is making fun of people like you

[@Michael-jl6no]

Yeah kinda sad not one lyric was mentioned in the reaction.... Seemed to me they were just trying to get through it to be honest.

[@jbc_8110]

@@User_32 no he didn’t

[@User_32]

@@jbc_8110 ‘Haggard doesn't sing The Fightin' Side of Me" as himself even if parts of the song seems tongue-in-cheek and Haggard was simply playing a character. Haggard is basically the uncouth know-it-all at the bar or barbershop, ready to explain why his kids' teachers and the local newspaper are always wrong.’

[@aimararojas7037]

This song is as relevant today as it was back then…

[@Vaelsung1]

Not really, we've learned about unjust wars built on lies and false flags and forced experimental vaccines on the military in the face of blind military industrial complex "patriotism". It's come out that the Gulf of Tonkin was a false flag that led the USA into Vietnam which is what this song largely centers around. Love your country, fear your government and keep it in check.

[@Spring-ne2mz]

Merle Haggard was a part of the “Bakersfield Sound” in California. Buck Owens, Lefty Frizzel and later Dwight Yoakum were in led in the niche of country music. His parents migrated to CA during the dust bowl and Great Depression in the 1930s from Oklahoma. Many of the people of the Central Valley of CA were Oakies. A lot of his music, themes, attitudes and speech patterns reflect this. He was a great musician and was the voice for the common working man. I don’t like or agree with all his views in every song and I don’t think this is the best example of his talent. Songs like Workin Man Blues, The Fugitive, Sing me Back Home are just a few that better showcase his voice. He had a hard life and ended up in San Quentin prison where he heard Johnny Cash sing. This was a turning point in his life and inspired him to go into the music business. You three are from another place and time so a lot the meaning and manner does not resonate with you as it does for those of us whose parents came to CA out of the dust bowl to try and provide a better life for their children. If you want to understand this better take a listen to Woody Guthrie a folk singer of this era.

[@ComeAlongKay]

Now people are migrating out of California as the liberals are burning it down.

[@timothywilliams2252]

Well said!!!

[@darkomtobia]

Merle Haggard has a ton of incredible music. He didn't need computers or autotune, either. "The Way I Am" is a nice one.

[@petermalutin7407]

Merle Haggard is a God....tread lightly.

[@victoriarachelle89]

You damn straight

[@757optim]

Merle Haggard is an icon. He's got more hits than Carter's got liver pills. RIP Merle.

[@redstateforever]

He was called the Working Man’s Poet, he wrote almost all his songs, many of them were autobiographical. This isn’t a great recording, his voice was like butter. Working Man’s Blues is a fun one, upbeat and bluesy. He was intelligent, handsome, and so talented. He left his mark on every country artist to follow to this day. Hard to overstate his influence.

[@eponine1966]

Always loved Merle Haggard, my grandparents listened to old country music all the time. Love it to this day, the video, audio quality may change through the years, but the talent remains.

[@nancysexton4364]

Dave, while you may have found the bass player intimidating, you really wouldn't want to take on Merle. Was in and out of prisons for years, including a long stint in San Quentin -- one of the toughest facilities in the US. Goes to show you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

[@teamrealtree0073]

It will never change know matter what. The patriots in this country will keep that way free .......

[@mumuspain2086]

Merle is one of the country legends. This song still holds up lyrically at least as there's so many noodle boys these days who just want to whine online or throw bricks from an anonymous crowd while dressed in all black, but there are still people here with guns and patriotic spirit and we aren't gonna let them take our freedom and turn this into soviet russia.

[@TherealBo4_God863]

Merle haggard had like 40 number one hits and this is one of them

[@stalledrain4093]

Yes sirrr, Alabama resident here. We dare defend our rights! Love my people and my state. 🇺🇸

[@mattwright8993]

Wouldn't expect guys like you to get it!

[@lori6115]

Well, they live in Great Britain, how or why would they?

[@thorzzz1z]

@@lori6115 i would expect anyone to love their country, you must be one of them Squirrely guys

[@skyqueen1148]

@@thorzzz1zYep

[@atsu6165]

A large portion of America would still get excited if this song was played.

[@lt.spears1889]

Merle lived the songs he wrote, spent time in prison, lived a crazy life, as fate would have it he’d become the working mans poet, where God, Family and Country ment something. He got straight but his authenticity was what endeared him to a nation and crossed boundaries

[@jlyo1991]

You should see his impersonations. They’re spot on. He can do Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, and Buck Owens among others.

[@americansmark]

Buck Owens was a legend. He and Dwight yoakam made the Bakersfield sound popular in the 80s.

[@georgedriver5052]

These folk obviously don't know them

[@george217]

"Okie from Muskogee" is another good one of his. He is a pioneer of what is known as the Bakersfield sound.

[@1trumantucker1]

Imagine how this song would be perceived today...

[@jlyo1991]

In a fun twist, Merle’s people wouldn’t let him put his song about an interracial relationship as the B side on either this song or Okie From Muskogee because they felt it would tarnish his image. The more things change the more they stay the same.

[@barbaracampbell9907]

Just as valid today there are loyal Americans just bc we differ in politics doesn’t mean we don’t love this country

[@gregdavidson3834]

Doesn’t get bigger or better than Merle. This song was in reference to the protesters of the Vietnam War. He was pardoned by then Governor Ronald Reagan. 38 number 1’s. Poncho and Lefty with Willie, Silver Wings, and Okie from Muskogee are my favorites.

[@jeanettesmith765]

Love anything that Merle Haggard has every sung. React to more of his music please.

[@frost1977]

the words of this song are SO relevant for today.

[@artmyers8841]

Laugh here in the states and see how that works out.

[@Nooooahhh]

Just now seeing this. God Bless Y’all. This is real down home country music.

[@KayeWhye]

I recommend a very fun pair of songs by Merle Haggard. First, do his classic hit "Okie From Muskogee" and then do his duet with Willie Nelson "It's All Going To Pot." The two played back to back, demonstrates the change of opinion on marijuana in America. I am off now, to go do exactly what I've just suggested, but before I do... I used to drive "lorries" across the country, and every time I went past the sign for Muskogee on I 40, I would sing the first line of the song, and then hit my pipe....🥴

[@32a34a]

That guitarist is Roy Nichols considered by some to be the greatest guitarist most people have never heard of. That man was devastating on the guitar.

[@johngilbanni6385]

*Roy Buchanan. Its just the title of a documentary, but he was called the ‘worlds greatest unknown guitarist.’ It’s on KZbin and Roy Nichols is in it for a few minutes.

[@32a34a]

@@johngilbanni6385 His last gig was right down the street from me. Guilford,Ct. I live in Branford. I need to find that documentary. Thanks for the info John.

[@GT-ry1cv]

He did it better later on in his career imo. Once he had the beard and kind of looked the part of one of the outlaw's of country music. He went to San Quentin for robbery and was later pardoned by Governor Ronald Reagan.

[@shirleymongold9491]

There are still about 100 million of us here feel the same way. Too bad it isn't more

[@cindyknudson2715]

Don't be discouraged. Let's go Brandon has quite a following😉

[@imnot_givingmyname_2a_machine]

Hell yeah boys! This is it. Don't appreciate the laughing fellas, lol Willie and Waylon next. If ya'll want more modern, sturgill simpson or tyler childers

[@victoriarachelle89]

The hag was the best ever, love Waylon, Willie, possum Hank Jr sr

[@frost1977]

this song needs to be played on colleges all over the county,

[@spacecoffee3215]

By the expressions on your faces, it was obvious you were not much impressed but, but, but, Merle Haggard had one of the most beautiful, most melodic voices ever. This song wasn't the most impactful if you are not home-grown, traditional, God-fearing folk. It's significant to a sort. However, Merle's personal life story is one to note.. His most well-known song is "Mama Tried". Again, it's difficult to grasp the significance of Haggard's music if you didn't grow up struggling and poor but nonetheless working w a die-hard, work-hard w blood, sweat and tears type of ethic to support the wife and 6 kids. It does actually mean something to what was once known. Merle Haggard has several amazing songs and unfortunately, this one will not do much if you're new to his music.

[@jimilemons3437]

You have to understand that this was written during Vietnam and was an answer to the hippie movement. Merle Haggard was an ex-convict who was inspired to be a musician by watching Johnny Cash perform where he was incarcerated. I love you guys, by far my favorite channel, but you’re going to unwittingly piss off a lot of Americans with this reaction because this was a patriotic answer from country and military folks to the anti-war movement. On one hand you have Jane Fonda and on the other you have Merle Haggard, an ex-con who appreciated the opportunity he was afforded. He was a favorite of bikers and understand that this song is sung by a guy who is saying if you bad mouth America I will kick your ass, and he meant every word of it. Try ‘Mama Tried’ or Okie from Muskogee’

[@americansmark]

I don't even recognize him without the beard and sadness in his voice. Very early on in his career.

[@dandillinger23]

Merle the 🐐 🇺🇸

[@MrArgman]

Merle Haggard rules

[@bbtt6351]

This is real America, TODAY!

[@yes2day100]

Why are you laughing? He's dead serious and so are we. Not dated for me, or for millions of Americans. Europeans and Brits have forever been underestimating the deep middle of this country, and its' deep beliefs. And if you're interested in Merle's work, try Kern River or Silver Wings or Mama Tried...

[@CurtDaniel1000]

Marty Robbins-El Paso

[@joshrohn8200]

Not the song I would have chosen to introduce y'all to the Hag.

[@victorwaddell6530]

Nothing dated about this song . These days there are more people in America that run down our country without realizing how good we live here compared to most other places .

[@fjtransmission]

England listen up you need this !

[@jamesworthington3346]

Emily Lou Harris once said if your from another world and want to know what country music is listen to a haggard album. Enough said

[@aberration3869]

Check out some of his live stuff Fromm the eighties and nineties particularly his Austin City concert. Much more what you’d enjoy.

[@Bozemanjustin]

Fun fact Merle Haggard was in prison. But a certain country music fan said oh no no no we can't have that. He was given a full pardon! He was only asked in return to come put on a show for the man that pardoned him Ronald Reagan

[@vickilloyd7472]

There are amazing classics in country music. In fact, what we hear today is not what country music should sound like. Yes, I am biased. Now, Chris Stapleton is freaking amazing.

[@ephraim2793]

Proving to be prophetic.

[@sondrapowell5487]

Dave! Is the bass player your dad? You look just like him!

[@dbonyadi]

It’s even more relevant today. Merle was right. We have too many haters in the US with the sports celebrities taking a knee during the National Anthem.

[@carlprince2866]

The lady behind him was his ex wife but sang with him until her death . thats what he was

[@katherineskaggs4490]

Not may ppl had the talent that he had. He influenced musicians and entertained ppl the world over. Todays music may not be as dated but musicians need to aspire to be as good as he was. And one day your music will be dated too. And probably not as good.

[@jarradmorgan8549]

It do go down… Robert.

[@Wade-22]

Hey dudes. Idk if y’all understand, but this mindset is not “old school” And you’re welcome.

[@HONDA-dl8nj]

Pease React Merle Haggard - Folsom Prison Blues (Live at Farm Aid 1985)

[@kraven4444]

Guys you should do "He Will Not Divide Us" series by Internet Historian. Basically anything by Internet Historian.

[@amberswafford9305]

Ahh, The Hag, now y’all are cookin’ w grease.

[@tonic8177]

If you want something less “dated” then listen to Red, White, and blue (The Angry American) by Toby Keith. Although, love Merle Haggard no truer words 🇺🇸❤️

[@tukomlegendmusic5067]

Please react to the beauty of football

[@nickrobinson5352]

...."in 450years"...🤣

[@norki.e]

could you react to Tyler Childers? he's an alternative country artist who's really popular right now. I think you guys would love "Feathered Indians" by him. he kinda looks like Dave too!!

[@cindyknudson2715]

Maybe Mama Tried by Merle ?

[@matthewdebord4492]

I was expecting a little bit more of a lyrical analysis from you blokes. The time this song came out was in the 1960's. Thick of the Vietnam War. I think country folks weren't necessarily pro-war. More like anti hippie. That puts this song in context.

[@lori6115]

They don't analize songs, wtf?? They react to videos......

[@robertberger5639]

This was something of a 'cheap applause' song, if you get what I mean. For what I call the 'real Merle' have a listen to Sing Me Back Home and/or Mama Tried.

[@barrettgranger9139]

Top 3 all time

[@xScooterAZx]

Why react to aa song and all you talk about is the fashions and howe dated it is. Well,..didnt you research it a bit to see how old it is? Jeez,....

[@barrettgranger9139]

Mainstream country singers wouldn’t dare sing something like this now days bc they all afraid of being canceled by the “woke” community

[@davidcooley275]

Rather be woke than a traitor trump fan...in jail soon, i promise.

[@barrettgranger9139]

@@davidcooley275 you going to jail?

[@WestliFerZul]

Does it make you mad that conservatives don't hold social power anymore and will eventually die off? Stay mad.

[@barrettgranger9139]

@@WestliFerZul 😂😂 their ain’t much that makes me mad, I try to look at the bright side of things for the most part. I don’t have to get on social media platforms and try to make fun of people that I know nothing about to make me feel good about myself , I’m not a keyboard warrior like most of the people on here now days that wouldn’t say 95% of the stuff they say from the safety of their grandmas basement to anyone’s face.

[@WestliFerZul]

@@barrettgranger9139 you said you're not a keyboard warrior, but you just spent minutes out of your day to whine about "woke" culture and how they are "cancelling" people. You cry and whine like a bitch on the internet and then when someone calls you out, you call them the keyboard warrior? That is what is called a "hypocrite" fellas. By the way, you do sound very very mad. It's okay, you are losing the culture war. Don't get your panties up in a bunch about it. By the way, just an English lesson for you so you don't embarrass yourself in the future, it's "there", not "their".

[@jefflee2698]

Merle has better songs, Mama Tried, sing me back home, Working man blues to name a few.

[@timothywilliams2252]

Y'all really started a shit-storm over this one! LOL! Sorry, but one should never insult The Hag! You might as well be on the side of the company-men at Matewan, that way you could piss off everybody in West Virginia as well! I can see this song is FAR removed from your cultural experience and history, so we'll just leave it at that... LMFAO!!!

[@bjohnson4902]

Do I'm a white boy by Merle Haggard please.

[@serfillustrated4018]

Dated? More relevant now than ever.

[@lori6115]

Can of worms!!

[@matthewlee6168]

Dated or not--Haggard is the Gold Standard in country music. Too made y'all found it underwhelming.

[@KY87Chevy]

This is a good song, maybe you just have to be an American to understand it I guess. I don't see music as dated, if I like it I like it

[@justinbutler1196]

Lol

[@matthewdean8592]

I like your channel but my friend…you knew it was dated before you watched the video for many reasons. Don’t act like you’re surprised that you heard an old country singer doing his thing in his time. Have a good day. Just leave country out of your channel if you plan on calling older music old… we get it you’re 22

[@mickeyleek7309]

Obvious these guys enjoy making fun of something they don’t understand to me patriotism is very dear and when we lose that w lose our country and the freedoms we hold dear. Very sad of what I just witnessed by these gentlemen!!

[@podunk87]

Man... I hate these damn live versions. Who requests live songs that sound like shit compared to the recorded versions..? I love Merle and this song, but this live stuff looks stupid as hell.

[@crosstimberokie]

Blushing and grinning. Most uncomfortable for you guys lol

[@Buttercup-vw2zo]

Actually I bet what you really don't like are the lyrics.The COMMIE I'm the White House doesn't either

[@mikewatts867]

There are soooooo many great Merle songs, but this ain’t one of them. It was a hit at the time for the same reason some of these commenters love it. But as songcraft, it’s bottom of the barrel compared to others he wrote. You guys are correct that he pretty much invented modern country music, the radio crap, for better or worse. But his body of work has so much more to offer. His songs featured horns and jazzy elements at times. Never shied away from controversial topics. And had in my opinion the purest “country” voice ever. I hope this song didn’t scare you off and you will dig deeper at some point. Sing Me Back Home would be my recommendation to start with. Some of his songs were semi auto-biographical. Others, like this one, were more of a character piece, singing from a point of view of someone else.

[@bjohnson4902]

What was so funny?

[@PatrickOneal-nl7xk]

well i give these reactors a jolly two thumbs down.

[@billcompton5118]

You get nothing about this song! You blokes

[@dannyboy9253]

These guys are gays

[@vickilloyd7472]

My least favorite legend. Sorry. Please do more Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris kristofferson. They were all in a group called The highwaymen...

[@MrArgman]

Merle is on another level

[@BP-or2iu]

The lyrics are pretty ridiculous but the melody and songwriting were top notch, as always from Merle.

[@StfuFFS]

This is EXACLY the type of country music I hate... It feels like anaesthetic-free dental surgery.

[@RatherBfishin]

It’ll take more than hippes and fruity looney toons to take this country down 🇺🇸 this song still applies today more than ever, nothing about it is dated.