1969 Song of the Day is–“Hungry Eyes” by Merle Haggard. The 1960’s-especially the late 60’s were great days for country music. Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, George Jones were producing great work- but the best of the bunch, in my opinion was Merle Haggard. Haggard’s debut album came out in 1965 and he could do no wrong for the rest of the decade- and through the 70’s.  Haggard would have 38 #1 hits in his career. In 1969 he would have three #1’s- the first one being Hungry Eyes [also Workin’ Man’s Blues and his signature song Okie From Muskogee” would go to #1 this year.}

Hungry Eyes was the first single released from his Portrait Of Merle Haggard album. Haggard wrote the song as a tribute to his mother and the sacrifices she made for her family especially after Merle’s father died when he was 9. The song isn’t totally autobiographical though for example the Haggard’s never lived in a labor camp. But many Okies did live on labor camps during the Great Depression and this was Haggard’s way of also paying tribute to them. The song is sometimes referred to as “Mama’s Hungry Eyes” This was not only a big commercial success but a critical success also. Merle could do no wrong at this point in time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuraB0OHkvs