"Monday Morning Merle" by Cody Johnson is a country song that pays homage to the legendary country musician, Merle Haggard. The song tells the story of a man, who, like many others, turns to music as a way to heal his broken heart and find solace in his pain. The protagonist of the song is referred to as "Monday Morning Merle," implying that he is reminiscent of Merle Haggard on Monday mornings. The lyrics depict the man listening to different iconic songs and artists throughout the week, with each day representing a different artist or song. On Tuesday, he listens to Bruce Springsteen's "Devils and Dust," which could symbolize the remorse he feels for losing the love of his life. Wednesday is dedicated to The Beatles, followed by Thursday with The Eagles' "Take It Easy." These songs act as a form of escape and comfort for the protagonist as he navigates his emotional journey. Friday represents a turning point for the protagonist, as a song rocks his world and brings about a shift in his perspective. Saturdays are dedicated to Jackson Browne, specifically with the song "Sunday Morning Coming Down" on Sundays. However, he always ends up missing the girl he lost. The lyrics mention "Misery and Gin," referring to a song by Merle Haggard. This further emphasizes the connection between the protagonist and Merle's music, as the lyrics suggest that he turns up the song again, perhaps trying to find solace in the shared pain expressed in Haggard's music. Overall, "Monday Morning Merle" is a tribute to Merle Haggard and the healing power of music. It portrays the protagonist's journey as he uses iconic songs from various artists to cope with heartbreak and find a sense of catharsis.
