The song isn’t just a simple list of Merle Haggard’s most famous tunes. Instead, it’s a deep journey through the emotions and stories those songs hold. Dunn’s lyrics bring up the heartache of “The Bottle Let Me Down,” the sorrow found in “Sing Me Back Home,” the tough reality of “Working Man’s Blues,” and even the frustrating feeling of “the wall you couldn’t get through.” Each line is a vivid reference, like pulling a treasured, well-worn photograph from a box, bringing the memories and feelings to life again.
For anyone who has ever felt their own life reflected in a song, “Hey Haggard” feels like a thank-you letter. Dunn is paying tribute to a man whose music could explore everything from failed love to patriotism and the evolving spirit of America, all while staying true and honest.
