Introduction:
Big City Lights, Little Town Heart: A Look at Merle Haggard’s “Big City”
Merle Haggard’s 1981 song “Big City” wasn’t just a catchy tune, it was a declaration. Released as the title track for his album of the same name, “Big City” became a cornerstone of Haggard’s signature style: a celebration of rural life and a critique of the urban grind.
Co-written by Haggard and Dean Holloway, the song emerged from a period of transition for the country music legend. Haggard had just switched labels, leaving behind MCA for Epic Records. “Big City” wasn’t just a commentary on city life, it reflected a yearning for the open spaces Haggard cherished.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban discontent. Haggard sings of “dirty old sidewalks” and a “steady job” that feels more like a burden. The chorus is a powerful statement: “Keep your retirement and so-called social security/Big city turn me loose and set me free.”
“Big City” resonated deeply with Haggard’s audience. Many fans identified with the sentiment of longing for a simpler life, a sentiment that has remained a constant theme in country music. Critical reception was also positive. Allmusic critic Thom Jurek described the entire “Big City” album as a collection focused on “themes of freedom from urban life.”
The song’s success wasn’t limited to the charts. “Big City” became an anthem for those yearning for escape from the pressures of city living. It cemented Haggard’s status as a champion of the working class and a voice for those who felt out of place in the urban jungle. So crank up the volume and let Merle Haggard take you on a journey – a journey away from the neon lights and towering buildings, and straight to the wide-open spaces where the heart truly belongs.