Merle Haggard - Mama's Hungry Eyes

Merle Haggard Mama's Hungry Eyes Live Perfomance 2013
"Hungry Eyes" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in December 1968 as the first single from the album A Portrait of Merle Haggard. The song was one of the most famous of his career.
During the late 1960s, Haggard released a series of recordings many critics have deemed to be not only some of his greatest works, but some of the most significant in the history of country music. "Hungry Eyes" - sometimes known as "Mama's Hungry Eyes" - is one of those recordings.
"Hungry Eyes" is a tribute to Oklahomans and others who lived in labor camps during the Great Depression, the time period in which this song is set. "(I)t is Haggard's way of commemorating a whole generation of Okies who persisted through persecution and suffering to transplant their culture to California," Malone wrote.
"Hungry Eyes," whose somber tone underscored the hope-filled despair of its main subject, Mama, was a track on Haggard's 1969 album A Portrait of Merle Haggard. Music critic Mark Deming noted that the song was among three of Haggard's finest songs to appear on the album; "Silver Wings" and "Workin' Man's Blues" were the other two. "(M)ost country artists would be happy to cut three tunes this strong during the course of their career, let alone as part of one of six albums Hag would release in 1969," wrote Deming.
"Hungry Eyes" was released in February 1969, and reached number one on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart.
en.wikipedia.o...)
Merle Haggard Mama's Hungry Eyes Lyrics
A canvas-covered cabin in a crowded labour camp
Stand out in this memory I revived
'Cause my daddy raised a family there, with two hard-working hands
And tried to feed my mama's hungry eyes
He dreamed of something better, and my mama's faith was strong
And us kids were just to young to realize
That another class of people put us somewhere just below
One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes
Mama never had the luxuries she wanted
But it wasn't 'cause my daddy didn't try
She only wanted things she really needed
One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes
I remember daddy praying for a better way of life
But I don't recall a change of any size
Just a little loss of courage, as their age began to show
And more sadness in my mama's hungry eyes
Mama never had the luxuries she wanted
But it wasn't 'cause my daddy didn't try
She only wanted things she really needed
One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes
Oh, I still recall my mama's hungry eyes
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[@Motorsport-Fan1982]

This man was one of the greatest ever🇺🇲🎸 I love country music and the USA🎸🇺🇲 Greetings from germany 🇩🇪

[@carlosrincon1551]

Merle was a legend. Greetings from California. And love Germany (especially the beer!)

[@Motorsport-Fan1982]

@@carlosrincon1551 Thank you my friend 😀In the last year i spent my honeymoon in california 🇺🇲 USA is a great beautiful country 🇺🇲

[@user-zx2xn1kj3u]

AMEN !

[@ngzcaz]

His son Marty also does this extremely well.. Though his hands were shaking trying to play the guitar, his voice cracked and the inflections were classic Merle. I liked the raw feelings he was able to invoke.

[@Mosely2007]

Love Marty's version wonderful singer

[@airgunfun4248]

Saw both his sons open for Kris and Willie in Omaha 2016

[@brianzaborowski2724]

He raised 3 talented boys! They all sounded great on Country Road TV.

[@bonniejulien8505]

Marty is very talented.i hope we hear more of him on utube.

[@bonniejulien8505]

yes all of Merles sons are very talented.

[@josephpearce3650]

I cried when I heard he died!!!! A legend and a prolific songwriter

[@ericedudzi6267]

The was absolutely no one in America who writes really life stories and sing them better than The Icon Merle haggard, Live long Haggard RIP!!!...

[@bonniejulien8505]

One of the most talented on the earth Rip cousin Merle

[@jwray9946]

Not many now will Understand what Merle was singing about in this great classic. I do.

[@AmyD1949]

I do too.

[@Mosely2007]

His son Marty nails this song. His sons are talented.

[@carolynlangley7011]

It was his song he could sing it any way HE wanted.❤

[@rexwilson3522]

I miss this man such great song. My family came from Knoxville Tennessee in 1960 to Florida and my mama did without like this song says we had my mom dad a great aunt and 11 kids when we came to Florida and I won't take a million dollars for the memory

[@City-Bisquits]

There will never ever be another man that can fill his shoes. I loved his music deeply.

[@mt3311]

We need not forget these people lest it happens to us. My old man was a child of the depression, and so were my grandparents. They didn't trust banks, ate everything on their plate, including fat from meat, they liked to sit around in the dark, to conserve electricity. They didn't have a tv until the late 1950's. There was a time, when my father ate hash, for weeks on end, because it was cheap and easy to make in bulk. He swore when he started making his own money, he wouldn't eat that again, and he didn't.

[@jamesfoster9941]

😂

[@alanvoracek5575]

My parents also grew up in the dirty thirties, and the depression era. I can almost see them close by when I play this video. my mother never wanted for much either. They passed away 17, and 14 years ago.

[@edithbuayan3393]

He is more than 70 yet sings better than ever.RIP .

[@larrybill2661]

l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days!!

[@Corgiwoman1]

Listen to this and then listen to his son Marty Haggard sing the same song. Apple didn't fall far from tree.

[@bonniejulien8505]

that was how it was in the depression time.but with God's help we survived

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Mearle Haggard, wow no better than that. His sons are very talented and keep his memory alive. God bless to you Mearle, you have had a tough life at times. But you are absolutely the most talented Country Western Singer that has ever lived. Amen

[@Brewsky38]

Once in a lifetime a truly gifted singer entertains us that’s Merle Haggard

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

Merle was one of my Dad's favorites! We used to sing together on the back porch to Merle's songs when I was a young teen!

[@joaquinybarra8184]

Another Pearl from Merle ! Straight from The ❤️A True Poet By the Grace of GOD, Everybody wants to be Rich, but it ain’t bout $, yet u never 4 get growin up poor … Thank U Sir! & your Family 🌹🌹🌹

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing?

[@bonniejulien8505]

God how I wish I had known Merle Haggard and just to shake his hand and tell him how much we all love him

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

Grew up listening to Merle, my Dad a former Marine from Korean War, loved his songs! We sang together on back porch when I played his records! A favorite memory!

[@joanbyrne111]

Best ever 🇮🇪🇮🇪 love this man songs

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@habs798693]

Third verse is so good he sang it twice.

[@nicholaseliasson2308]

May Lord blesses Merle Haggard. Love ✝️

[@bonniejulien8505]

Oh God thank you for Blessing us,with this Talent Merle Haggard.Dear Lord,How we love him😊

[@josmotherman591]

Oh, man. That was rough. I felt so bad. Then I looked at Marty, and he looked like he was feeling the same way. Anyone that loves Country music knows that Merle has been the man since the mid 60's. And there is no young artist from 1970 on that doesn't owe it to Merle. Marty and his band included. And they know it. Thank you Marty for making this effort for Mighty Merle. I know it was painful for all. RIP to the Honest Poet of the Working Man.

[@genevalievsay275]

My favorite Merle Haggard song reminds me so much of Mom and Dad. I LOVE YOU BABY

[@royzee28]

A Professional to the end, just brilliant! I think Marty knew, I'm sure he looks back on this with pride and sadness! xx

[@bertholdweisser2316]

Merle Haggard is one of my favorites country singers

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@farrellcurtis3147]

My favorite all time singer. I am enjoying hearing his 3 sons carrying on the tradution

[@markyoung2699]

I saw KING MERLE in concert. I was mad because he was an opening act for travis tritt

[@AmyD1949]

I'd be mad at that too.

[@emiliovaqueromartin1656]

The best singer in the Eart. Yes Mister Haggard . MAMMA HUNGRES EYES ONE SONG THE LEGEND.

[@Mosely2007]

His sons are all good too

[@karenbritt8888]

Happy Birthday Merle Haggard ❤❤❤ love ya Haggard. What a Wonderful Man And Singer. April 6th. God Bless your family ❤

[@andreasmodugno]

Why do you suppose, in this performance, he left out the stanza with the words: "He dreamed of something better, and my mama's faith was strong And us kids were just to young to realize That another class of people put us somewhere just below One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes." Those are the lyrics in this song that elevate it to from just very good to great. Okies, hillbillies, woodchucks, rednecks...the list is very long... can relate because they have live it every day.

[@larrybill2661]

l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days!!

[@habs798693]

Guessing by the subtle looks given by Marty and the band, I think he just forgot

[@deanbarr5740]

The one and only, Hag. Thank you for this video. 👍👍👍

[@antoniobriciomoreno7190]

God bless you Merle! Your job is done!

[@robertbaker8433]

Happy Birthday Merle Haggard. In Heaven 2021

[@TheJklintworth]

I loved this show..saw it when it aired! I also loved Merle Haggard...he was the best! Listen to his music everyday.

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing?

[@teresarn1965]

Breaks my heart to hear him when he is sick.

[@larrybill2661]

l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days!!

[@jamesdinkins9391]

the G.O.A.T.

[@daleyelton3410]

A true legend

[@koof1776]

GENIUS~

[@UCqkdtMiE5ZquD_lF9prae4Q]

Mama's Hungry Eyes👍👍👍"Merle Haggard for 💓💓💓💓 Lyrics A canvas-covered cabin in a crowded labour camp Stand out in this memory I revived 'Cause my daddy raised a family there, with two hard-working hands And tried to feed my mama's hungry eyes He dreamed of something better, and my mama's faith was strong And us kids were just to young to realize That another class of people put us somewhere just below One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes Mama never had the luxuries she wanted But it wasn't 'cause my daddy didn't try She only wanted things she really needed One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes I remember daddy praying for a better way of life But I don't recall a change of any size Just a little loss of courage, as their age began to show And more sadness in my mama's hungry eyes Mama never had the luxuries she wanted But it wasn't 'cause my daddy didn't try She only wanted things she really needed One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes Oh, I still recall my mama's hungry eyes

[@ghmsr8062]

Mighty fine. Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives really know how to compliment the guest artist. Great looking Telecaster too!

[@deehoad2507]

Sad to see merle struggle for breath in this video love merle no more pain rest in peace

[@anelladambrosio2513]

Una grande performance! Emozionanti... 😍😍😊😊🎶🎸🎸🎶💘💘💘💘

[@carolcarter4700]

I've been listening to merle since I was big enough to sit on my daddy lap while he played his songs

[@larrybill2661]

l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days!!

[@elijahmbugua]

I love me some old Haggs. Rest well great fella.

[@garryclark3945]

Just heard this song on tiktok wow ❤

[@sevenmileridgeband]

The best,...

[@elainemack1638]

Thanks. I LOVE MERLE!!!

[@edopastori2235]

God bless this music! R;I;P bro' (greetings from italy at every cowboy of the world)

[@gatotarancon9973]

Great the Hag forever

[@emiliovaqueromartin1656]

Yo recuerdo a mi padre rezar y pedir por una vida mejor.ojos hambrientos de mi madre. Ese es el respeto de este pedazo de artista por los suyos. Dios te bendiga donde estes viejo amigo de fatigas

[@bardotbarauctions9199]

I've never heard him, but he is good, I like him!!!

[@bardotbarauctions9199]

@Jon Oz thanks, I have gotten to listen to him more often!! Thanks for telling me about that song!!!

[@ramhagramhag5481]

Wtf- never heard of Merle Haggard

[@josmotherman591]

@@ramhagramhag5481 He's from.off planet. lol.

[@kanaisk]

What a super heartfelt version ❤️❤️❤️

[@markyoung2699]

This the only REAL COUNTRY songs MERLE , JOHNNY CASH,HANK WILLIAMS,PATSY CLINE, LORETTA LYNN,EARL TUBBS, ALL the people in the ORIGINAL GROUP I THANK THE ORIGINAL PURE COUNTRY STARS WHO STARTED THE MEANING OF COUNTRY

[@joekuhl3500]

GOAT!

[@emiliovaqueromartin1656]

Nadie es igual a este hombre en country music

[@janebiggers5292]

I loved Merle.

[@larrybill2661]

l agree with you, indeed Merle Haggard is a great and talented artist who's songs never goes out of style,he's one of my favorites artist, he's songs still and always heals the Soul, I pray God gives you lot of beautiful days!!

[@frontman1977]

I don't know this artist or song, but both are wonderful and I'm pleased to have come across this video. The song reminds me strongly of The Green Green Grass of Home.

[@JHarder1000]

An American genius.

[@lazarooliveira8513]

Esse homem. É show

[@markybert6145]

The best of the best

[@mariodore6110]

Mi piace molto il.grande merle hagard

[@izacrodrigues5299]

Adorei 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@ngzcaz]

Want to see a guy who loves what he's doing ? Look at Marty's bass player..

[@koof1776]

For Rosalia Elliotto~

[@inblackagain]

i miss Merle. i wonder what all the tape on Marty's guitar is about.

[@bonniejulien8505]

Merle.Hsggard.God only knows how much we all love you

[@patrickhawkinson8399]

Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, and George Jones. My top 3, in that order. Not really into Cash.

[@glennparsons8727]

😎

[@user-tu8oh6im4j]

Van Orido;

[@mariovazxadrez]

What is the name of the singer next to Merle?

[@habs798693]

The tall guy on the left is Kenny Vaughan.

[@hiwdy1]

Merle fucked up the song but laughed it off *I remember daddy praying for a better way of life* in the original it was another class of people put us somewhere just below one more reason for my mommas hungry eyes

[@markyoung2699]

I saw KING MERLE in concert. I was mad because he was an opening act for travis tritt