The song Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man) by Merle Haggard is a tribute to his father who was blind but had an incredible talent for playing the guitar and the french harp (harmonica). The song tells the story of a young band made up of Haggard's family members, with his mother as their driver and his sister playing the tambourine. They were a unique band as Daddy Frank was blind and played the guitar while Mama was deaf but could still sing along by reading their lips. The family made a living by playing music, and while they did not have much, they always had enough to eat. The song also touches upon the love and support between Haggard's parents, who relied on one another despite their individual disabilities. The title of the song, Daddy Frank, is a nod to the central figure in Haggard's family: his blind father who played guitar and provided for his family with his music. The song also suggests that there was someone who helped bring Haggard's parents together, perhaps a higher power or fate. Furthermore, the song highlights the power of music and its ability to bring people together despite their differences. Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man) is a touching tribute to a unique family and the strength they found in each other through their love and passion for music.
