Popular Merle Haggard Guitar Songs

These lessons spotlight some of Haggard’s most emotionally resonant tracks—from the lonesome laments of I’m A Lonesome Fugitive to timeless ballads like Today I Started Lovin’ You Again.

Whether you're chasing the melody of Always Wanting You or strumming the honest chords of Daddy Frank, this page gives you everything you need: rhythm breakdowns, chord diagrams, lead riffs, and performance demos.

It’s the perfect way to connect with the soul of classic country storytelling through your guitar.

Almost Persuaded though most famously associated with David Houston’s 1966 chart-topping version, Merle Haggard later recorded “Almost Persuaded” and included it in some of his compilation or deeper album tracks, including Out Among the Stars (1986).

Haggard’s version didn’t chart as highly, but it showcased his talent for interpreting emotionally complex material.

The song itself is a classic in the country canon, exploring themes of temptation and regret — a good fit for Haggard’s expressive vocal style.

Always Wanting You was released as a single in February 1975 and became one of Merle Haggard’s most personal and successful hits.

It topped the U.S. country charts for two weeks and marked his 20th No. 1 single.

The song appeared on the album Keep Movin’ On and was famously written about Haggard’s unrequited affection for Dolly Parton during a tour they shared.

According to Haggard, he once even called her in the middle of the night and sang it to her over the phone, hoping to capture her attention. Dolly never reciprocated the feelings, but the song stands as one of Haggard’s most emotionally vulnerable works.

All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers was Haggard’s breakout success, released in late 1964 and featured on his 1965 album Strangers.

Written by Liz Anderson, the track became his first Top 10 country hit and was a turning point in his career. The success of the single also led to the naming of his backing band — The Strangers — which would go on to support him for decades.

The song’s blend of vulnerability and defiance resonated with listeners and laid the foundation for Haggard’s rise as a major country star.

Daddy Frank  (The Guitar Man)” was released in 1971 and became a No. 1 country single for Merle Haggard and The Strangers.

It later appeared on the 1972 album Let Me Tell You About a Song, which was structured around Haggard introducing each track with brief spoken segments.

The song tells the story of a musical family with a blind father and deaf mother — a fictional narrative filled with empathy and detail. It became one of Haggard’s signature family-themed story songs and reflected his skill as a storyteller through music.

Goodbye Comes Hard For Me has little official data available about it suggesting that it may not have been released as a prominent single. However, fans of Haggard’s more introspective side often gravitate toward this lesser-known track. The song is featured on the 1972 album It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad).

It’s a slow, emotional piece that touches on the difficulty of letting go — a recurring theme in his music.

While not a chart hit, it remains a poignant deep cut appreciated by longtime listeners.

I Threw Away The Rose was recorded back in 1967 from the album "Branded Man". 

Merle managed a #2 on the US country charts with this song.

I Won't Give Up My Train is another obscure gem in Haggard’s catalog that did not appear to chart or get released as a single.

Its themes echo Haggard’s fascination with trains and the working-class life, which were constants throughout his career.

Songs like this reflect his pride in independence and blue-collar values. Though not a commercial success, it adds depth to his legacy as a chronicler of American grit and freedom.

I'm A Lonesome Fugitive was a single back in 1966 from the album of the same name.

This was the very first of many Merle Haggard #1 hits on the US country charts.

Misery And Gin was released in 1980 as part of the soundtrack for the Clint Eastwood film Bronco Billy. It also appeared on Merle Haggard’s own album Back to the Barrooms that same year.

Written by Snuff Garrett and John Durrill, the song reached #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The lyrics reflect a classic honky-tonk theme — drowning heartache in whiskey — and Haggard’s delivery made it one of his most memorable barroom ballads.

It has since become a staple among fans of his more sorrowful material.

Nobody's Darlin was originally written and recorded by Jimmie Davis in 1934, “Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine” is a traditional country ballad that Merle Haggard later revived.

His version was featured on the 1986 album A Friend in California. Though not released as a single or charting hit, Haggard’s rendition pays homage to classic country roots.

His smooth phrasing and emotional tone helped breathe new life into this vintage tune, offering a respectful nod to the genre’s early pioneers.

Old Fashioned Love is an old Texas swing style tune by Bob Wills as far as I can tell, but he didn't write the song.

Merle Haggard recorded a live album in Austin Texas back in 1978 and this track can be found on that record.

Someday When Things Are Good was a #1 songs in both Canada and the US when it was released in 1984.

The song is from the album "That's The Way Love Goes".

Take Me Back And Love Me One More Time is a lesser-known song in Haggard’s catalog and was not released as a single.

It’s often regarded as a deep cut and reflects the emotional vulnerability typical of Haggard’s heartbreak ballads.The track is found on The Way I am album

While no official chart history is attached to this track, it has gained appreciation among longtime fans for its simple plea for reconciliation and the raw, aching delivery that defined so many of his slower songs.

Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa was originally recorded by Merle Haggard and included on his 1986 album Out Among the Stars. While Haggard’s version didn’t chart, the song gained more attention in 2003 when George Strait released a cover that climbed to #11 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

The song is a wistful reflection on love, memory, and regret — classic storytelling wrapped in smooth melody.

Haggard’s original rendition is cherished by fans for its sincerity and quiet sadness.

The Farmers Daughter appeared on Merle Haggard’s 1971 album Hag.

Though not released as a single, it’s a beautifully crafted narrative about young love and longing in a rural setting.

The song features a gentle acoustic arrangement and showcases Haggard’s strength as a storyteller.

It stands out as a tender, almost cinematic piece, painting a vivid picture of innocence and heartache on the American frontier.

What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana is a tack from Merle's 1976 album The Roots Of My Raising.

This song was a B-side single to the A-side single Cherokee Maiden.