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“Merle Is Smiling Down”: Miranda Lambert Singing This Tribute Cover of Merle Haggard’s 1980 Classic Is Hauntingly Perfect
The timeless voice behind hit songs like “Mama Tried” and “Workin’ Man Blues,” Merle Haggard launched his career with influences from Bob Wills and Hank Williams. What followed was a career that spanned five decades, dozens of albums, and a cozy spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame. With the icon sadly passing away in 2016, Miranda Lambert once celebrated his mastery and storytelling with a mesmerizing cover of “Misery and Gin.”
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While Lambert could easily pick her favorite Haggard song to cover, her special moment came in 2017 when she celebrated the singer at the Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard special. The concert was held in Nashville. With some of the biggest names in the genre taking the stage and the venue in the heart of country music, the night had all the ingredients for an unforgettable moment. And then came Lambert.
Released in June 1980, “Misery and Gin” was written by John Durrill and Snuff Garrett. The song was originally written for the film Bronco Billy. But with Haggard loving the lyrics, it was released on both the soundtrack and Haggard’s album, Back to the Barrooms. It peaked at No. 3 on the US Hot Country Songs chart.
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Miranda Lambert Deemed The “Heart Of Country”
With “Misery and Gin” having such a rich legacy in music, Lambert approached the performance with both reverence and restraint. And for a few minutes, the stage felt like a bridge between generations, reminding fans why Haggard’s music continues to resonate long after his passing.
As for what fans had to say about the performance, even years later, they continue to praise Lambert.
“Great version of Merle classic. This song fit perfectly to how I was feeling tonight. Love you miranda.”
“Beautiful sweet Miranda….Merle was her hero, I really think Miranda was his hero! Remember the roses she recieved at the CMA’s one year from Merle.”
“She nailed it! Shes been singin merle since teenhood me too love merle! Go ran.”
“Merle is smiling down on you Miranda Beautiful.”
“Miranda, you’re the real thing. The heart of country. So proud of you. Keep up the great music. Love you.”
The night also included Willie Nelson, Keith Richards, Alabama, and Hank Williams Jr., but even among legends, Lambert carved out a moment that felt deeply personal and highlighted her lasting friendship with Haggard.
(Photo by Rusty Russell/Getty Images)
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