Merle Haggard & The Strangers：Meaning of Run 'Em Off Songmeaning

The song "Run 'Em Off" by Merle Haggard & The Strangers is about a person who is scared of losing their loved one to other people. The lyrics use the metaphor of a big bad wolf from the story of Little Red Riding Hood to describe the people who are trying to come between the singer and their lover. The singer expresses their fear that these two-legged wolves are trying to "run away" with their partner, and they urge their partner to take action to "run 'em off" and prevent them from cheating. Throughout the song, the singer identifies various people who they believe are wolves trying to come between them and their partner, including an iceman, a milkman, and some unknown visitors from out of town. The singer warns their partner not to get too friendly with these people, and to make sure they "run 'em off" so that they can be alone together. The overall theme of the song is jealousy and possessiveness, with the singer expressing their fear that others will try to take what is theirs. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to keep their partner faithful, including telling them to avoid certain people and to be vigilant about their relationships with others. In the end, the singer acknowledges that there will always be more wolves coming to their door, but they are determined to keep them away and protect their relationship.