VIDEO My Own Kind Of Hat, Merle Haggard

My Own Kind Of Hat, Merle Haggard In this thread, we delve into the classic song "My Own Kind of Hat" by Merle Haggard. Released during a period that cemented Haggard as a legendary figure in country music, this track reflects his iconic storytelling style and heartfelt delivery. Fans fondly remember Haggard for his ability to convey emotions through music, and this song is no exception.

Overview​

"My Own Kind of Hat" is more than just a song; it's a representation of personal identity and style in the face of societal expectations. Haggard's lyrics delve into themes of individuality and authenticity, making it resonate with audiences even today.

Cultural Impact​

As a hallmark of Haggard's career, this song showcases his contribution to the genre of country music, influencing countless artists who followed in his footsteps. Its legacy continues, reminding us of the rich tradition of storytelling in American music.

Engagement​

While subtitles or a transcript for this specific video are not available, I invite fellow forum members to share their thoughts or experiences related to Merle Haggard's music. What does "My Own Kind of Hat" mean to you? Do you have other favorite tracks that speak to similar themes? Feel free to discuss or point out details that stand out to you about the video, or perhaps share personal stories tied to Haggard's music in your lives. Let's celebrate this legendary artist together!

The clip features the album cover artwork from Merle Haggard's 1979 release Serving 190 Proof, showing Haggard leaning against a bar counter beside a bottle of Johnnie Walker. The track playing is the album's opening song, "My Own Kind of Hat," which opens with a bright, twin-fiddle and acoustic rhythm intro before settling into a crisp western swing groove. Haggard’s smooth, authoritative vocal enters around 0:24 as he sings, "Cowboys and outlaws, right guys and southpaws / Good dogs and all kinds of cats," setting a confident tone over tight bass and electric guitar accents.
The arrangement moves into the rhythmically snappy verse at 0:45 listing life's pairs ("There's two kind of lovers and two kind of brothers") before swinging back into the main refrain. The band gets plenty of room to shine, with lively fiddle breaks taking center stage around 1:26 and again near the end at 2:28. The track retains that classic Bakersfield clarity and bounce, balancing slick studio polish with authentic country instrumentation.
It is a classic track that captures Haggard at his most effortlessly cool. Even with just the static LP cover displayed throughout the clip, the music carries enough swagger and personality to keep you listening all the way through. It is a fantastic showcase of his late-70s songwriting and slick band arrangements.