Merle Haggard — A Bar in Bakersfield

Some years ago, some stars and I formed this blues band They went on to be somebody and I'm their greatest fan I helped write the music that set their ship a-sail And I'm still playing guitar in a bar in Bakersfield This town had a new sound and we found it on a gig God bless the boys that used it and went off to make it big I could've left and done it too, I couldn't leave this city 'Cause she's a dad-gum barmaid in a bar in Bakersfield Hey, I could have busted out some years ago But you kept beggin' me not to go There was times when things were rough on us But we never missed no meal Existing, playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield I've been busy playin' rhythm and learnin' lead guitar Had to stay and make a living, had no time to be a star Oh, I'll never make the big time and I'll never be no wheel Damn it, I've booked seven nights a week in this bar in Bakersfield Hey, I could have busted out some years ago Ah, but Lou kept beggin' me not to go There were times when things were rough on us But we never missed no meal Existing, playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield I've been survivin', playin' guitar in a bar in Bakersfield