The song "The Roots of My Raising" by Merle Haggard is a tribute to Haggard's childhood and his parents who instilled in him a strong foundation and values that have stayed with him throughout his life. It talks about how he returns to his childhood home which is a reflection of the way of life that is slowly disappearing in modern times. The song speaks about the strong bond that Haggard had with his parents, especially his mother who was a Christian woman with an unwavering spirit and his soft-spoken father who had a lot of respect in his community. The song describes the powerful influence they had on his life and how he draws strength from the lessons they taught him. Haggard describes his parents as hardworking and honest people who led by example and instilled in him a strong sense of values. He remembers the times his mother would dance the Charleston for them while his father was respected enough to borrow money from the banks just based on his word. In the end, the song highlights the importance of strong roots and values, and how they shape a person's life. It also serves as a reminder for people to remember and honor the legacy of their ancestors and the values they taught us.
