Song Information
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Title: Big City
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Artist: Merle Haggard and The Strangers
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Written by: Merle Haggard and Dean Holloway
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Album: Big City
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Release Date: February 1981
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Label: Epic Records
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Genre: Country
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Producer: Merle Haggard & Billy Sherrill
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Chart Success: Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in April 1981.
“Big City” is one of Merle Haggard’s most beloved songs, celebrated for its authentic country sound and strong working-class sentiment. Co-written with his friend and former bus driver, Dean Holloway, the song was reportedly born during a casual conversation — and it turned into one of Haggard’s defining hits. Its appeal lies in the raw honesty and the longing for freedom from the pressures of urban life.
Song Meaning
In “Big City,” Merle Haggard sings from the heart of a man suffocated by the daily grind of city living. The lyrics paint the picture of someone stuck in a rigid, exhausting cycle — bound by a job that saps his spirit and surrounded by crowds that isolate more than connect. He dreams of escape, not just from the buildings and traffic, but from a way of life that no longer fits who he is.
The chorus is a clear cry for liberation:
“Turn me loose, set me free / Somewhere in the middle of Montana…”
This isn’t just about leaving town — it’s about finding peace, space, and purpose. Haggard captures a sentiment deeply felt by many Americans at the time: a yearning to return to simplicity, self-reliance, and open skies. His warm yet world-weary voice gives the song an emotional weight that makes it more than just a catchy tune — it becomes an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped by their circumstances.
Explanation of the Deeper Message
At its core, “Big City” is more than a song about escaping the noise — it’s a working man’s quiet rebellion against modern life’s expectations. Haggard’s narrator isn’t lazy or ungrateful; he’s disillusioned. After years of punching the clock, living in crowded neighborhoods, and following society’s script, he realizes he’s lost touch with who he really is.
This song became especially powerful during the early 1980s, a time when many blue-collar workers in America were feeling overlooked and underappreciated. “Big City” gave voice to those who felt their values were no longer represented in a rapidly changing world. Merle Haggard, known for his deep connection with the working class, didn’t just write about pain — he wrote about dignity.
The Montana line isn’t just a location; it’s a symbol of freedom, solitude, and clarity. In today’s fast-paced digital age, the message of “Big City” remains as relevant as ever. It reminds us that sometimes, the truest form of happiness is not in having more, but in walking away from what doesn’t serve us — and returning to what truly matters.
🎬 Watch the Music Video
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzWdap8Y3tU
Lyrics
I’m tired of this dirty old city
Entirely too much work and never enough play
And I’m tired of these dirty old sidewalks
Think I’ll walk off my steady job today
Turn me loose, set me free
Somewhere in the middle of Montana
And give me all I’ve got comin’ to me
And keep your retirement
And your so called social security
Big city, turn me loose and set me free
Been working everyday since I was twenty
Haven’t got a thing to show for anything I’ve done
There’s folks who never work and they’ve got plenty
Think it’s time some guys like me had some fun
So, turn me loose, set me free
Somewhere in the middle of Montana
And give me all I’ve got comin’ to me
And keep your retirement
And your so called social security
Big city, turn me loose and set me free
Hey big city, turn me loose and set me free