Merle Haggard – Swinging Doors

And I’ve got swinging doors a jukebox and a barstool
And my new home has got a flashing neon sign

This is country music I love. I’ve always been a bit jealous of the Country music genre in one area. I’m not sure they still have this but at certain times of year the musicians and artists are out and about and you can meet them. It was really big in Nashville through the years.

It was called Fan Fair.  It’s basically like a job fair but with country stars. Can you imagine Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and others in a building meeting and talking to their fans? How about going up to Bob Dylan and slapping him on the back…” Hey Bob” how are ya? No that would not happen.

I remember this happening in Nashville where you could go and meet Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and more. Rock and Roll doesn’t have anything like that. Maybe it’s because Country is centered in Nashville where Rock is spread throughout the world? I think it was a great way to spread their music.

Swinging Doors - Song Lyrics and Music by Merle Haggard arranged by OF_ALLAN_SVI on Smule Social Singing app

In 1966 Merle Haggard traveled to Nashville to record his first-ever collaboration project with The Strangers. They would later on become his backing band. At first, it just didn’t work but Haggard and the band continued. The album ended up with 12 tracks and Swinging Doors was the title track. Haggard wrote all of the tracks on the album. The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. His first number-one album. He would go on to record 66 studio albums and 8 live ones.

The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Country Charts in 1966. Another song off of this album peaked at #5…The Bottle Let Me Down.

This song takes me back to being a kid. Early morning rides with my dad and him having a country station on.

Swinging Doors

This old smoke-filled bar is something I’m not used to
But if gave up my home to see you satisfied
And I just called to let you know where I’ll be living
It’s not much but I feel welcome here inside

And I’ve got swinging doors a jukebox and a barstool
And my new home has got a flashing neon sign
Stop by and see me anytime you want to
Cause I’m always here at home till closing time

I’ve got everything I need to drive me crazy
I’ve got everything it takes to lose my mind
And in here the atmosphere’s just right for heartaches
And thanks to you I’m always here till closing time

And I’ve got swinging doors a jukebox and a barstool
And my new home has got a flashing neon sign
Stop by and see me anytime you want to
Cause I’m always here at home till closing time

Yeah, I’m always here at home till closing time

…

Unknown's avatar

Author: Badfinger (Max)

Power Pop fan, Baseball, Beatles, Alternative music, old movies, and tv show fan. Also anything to do with pop culture in the 60s and 70s... I'm also a songwriter, bass and guitar player. Not the slightest bit interested in politics at all.

35 thoughts on “Merle Haggard – Swinging Doors”

    1. They did a little of both…hand shaking and yes there were some performances…they broke that barrier down betweet artist and fan…I’m not sure if they still have it now.

      Like

      Reply

    1. I’ve heard good things about him but I haven’t heard much at all.
      Anything out of scope of the country top 10 I would listen to and give a chance.

      Like

      Reply

  9. As recently as six years ago, I probably would have dismissed “Swinging Doors” as hillbilly music simply because it’s country. I’m really glad I’ve since changed my perspective and finally realized there’s nothing inherently wrong with country. Just like pretty much any other genre, you can find great music there. I like how this song sounds, specially the guitarwork.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. The band he had was top notch it really was…oh I didn’t like country when I was in my teens…believe me…but I noticed that it was very close to blues and folk and I started to like it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. To have them both on stage, and singing harmony with each other, puts me in honky tonk heaven. GREAT SONG and Merle has one of those voices you don’t soon forget, and Dwight is like his younger clone. I love these guys.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

Leave a comment