"Shade Tree (Fix-It-Man)" is a song by Merle Haggard that tells the story of a skilled mechanic who can fix anything under the shade of a tree. The song's protagonist is a man from Arkansas who is traveling west with his girlfriend, Ruby, when their car breaks down. However, he manages to fix the car himself under the shade of a tree, earning him the reputation of a "shade tree fix-it-man." The song celebrates the virtues of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness, as the protagonist is able to fix his car without relying on anyone else's help. The shade tree represents a place of refuge and comfort in the hot sun, as well as a workspace where the protagonist can put his skills to use. Overall, "Shade Tree (Fix-It-Man)" is an uplifting song that celebrates the ingenuity of ordinary people who can make things work with their own two hands, even in the face of adversity.
