Merle Haggard：Meaning of Haggard (Like I've Never Been Before) Songmeaning

The song "Haggard (Like I've Never Been Before)" by Merle Haggard is about a man who is struggling with his life on the road as a musician. He sings about missing his loved ones, particularly his young and lovely wife and their children, and feeling like he can no longer justify the sacrifices he is making for his career. He shares his feelings of loneliness and how the pain he goes through while being away from his family isn't worth it anymore. He admits that his lifestyle doesn't have the same appeal that it used to, and that he is haggard and tired from the constant touring and performing. The song is a reflection of the toll that being on the road and away from loved ones can take on a person's mental and emotional well-being. The lyrics express a desire for something more fulfilling and real than the superficial pleasures that come with being a successful musician.