Hey, hey, the working man, the working man like me. I ain't never been on welfare, that's one place I won't be.

- Merle Haggard

There's two or three kids out there trying to make good music, and the rest of them sound like it's been strained through some kind of white toast or…

- Merle Haggard

Momma tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied, and that leaves only me to blame, cause Momma tried.

- Merle Haggard

I'll tell you what the public likes more than anything, it's the most rare commodity in the world - honesty.

- Merle Haggard

The only thing that I miss lately in all music is somebody that will put out a melody that you can whistle. It doesn't seem like there's anything hap…

- Merle Haggard

Willie Nelson's the one who told me the reason it costs so much to get divorced is because it's worth it.

- Merle Haggard

Lay in the weeds and wait, and when you get your chance to say something, say something good.

- Merle Haggard

Keep your opinions to yourself. I think it's important that I stay neutral on politics and remain hard to understand. I don't want to be pigeonholed …

- Merle Haggard

To be part of what you're singing about is somewhat painful. You've got to climb inside it all.

- Merle Haggard