[Verse 1]
I was on the road in Georgia, when I heard Merle had passed away
Hell, I thought he'd live forever, he shaped every note I played
Tonight these old white lines look different than they usually do
He was my greatest inspiration, the reason why I sing the blues
He taught me how to play the guitar and write a country song
He spent time in San Quentin for the things that he'd done wrong
He made me proud to be an Okie, and God knows we paid our dues
He was my greatest inspiration, the reason why I sing the blues
[Chorus]
Oh, I'm lost in a world without Haggard
Oh, who'll tell the truth to you and me?
Oh, I'm lost in a world without Haggard
It's a world I thought I would never see
[Instrumental Bridge]
[Verse 2]
He gave his life to country music, he's the best that's ever been
An honest voice of reason, like we won't see again
If I could hear one last song, it's Merle that I would choose
He was my greatest inspiration, the reason why I sing the blues
He was my greatest inspiration, the reason why I sing the blues