About the Song

“The Fightin’ Side of Me” is a powerful and patriotic song that celebrates the American fighting spirit. Written by Merle Haggard and sung by Haggard and Toby Keith, the song is a stirring anthem for anyone who loves their country.

The song begins with Haggard singing about the critics who complain about the way of life in the United States. He then goes on to list the many things that make America great, including its freedom, its democracy, and its military.

The chorus of the song is a rousing declaration of patriotism:

“If you don’t love it, leave it: Let this song I’m singin’ be a warnin’. If you’re runnin’ down my country, man, You’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me.”

The song was released in 2004 as a single from Haggard’s album “Haggard Like Never Before.” It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“The Fightin’ Side of Me” has become a modern-day patriotic classic. It has been performed at numerous events, including the 2004 Republican National Convention and the 2005 CMA Awards. The song has also been used in several commercials and movies.

Haggard and Keith were both known for their outspoken patriotism. Haggard was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Keith is a son of a military man. Both men were proud to be Americans and they never shied away from expressing their love for their country.

“The Fightin’ Side of Me” is a powerful and moving song that captures the true essence of patriotism. It is a song that will continue to be sung for many years to come.

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Lyric

I hear people talkin’ bad about the way we have to live here in this countryHarpin’ on the wars we fight, an’ gripin’ ’bout the way things oughta beAn’ I don’t mind ’em switchin’ sides, an’ standin’ up for things they believe inWhen they’re runnin’ down my country, manThey’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me
Yeah, walkin’ on the fightin’ side of meRunnin’ down a way of life our fightin’ men have fought and died to keepIf you don’t love it, leave itLet this song I’m singin’ be a warnin’When you’re runnin’ down my country, manYou’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me
I read about some squirrely guy who claims he just don’t believe in fightin’An’ I wonder just how long the rest of us can count on bein’ freeThey love our milk an’ honey, but they preach about some other way of livin’When they’re runnin’ down my country, hossThey’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me
Yeah, walkin’ on the fightin’ side of meRunnin’ down a way of life our fightin’ men have fought and died to keepIf you don’t love it, leave itLet this song I’m singin’ be a warnin’When you’re runnin’ down my country, manYou’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me
Yeah, walkin’ on the fightin’ side of meRunnin’ down a way of life our fightin’ men have fought and died to keepIf you don’t love it, leave itLet this song I’m singin’ be a warnin’When you’re runnin’ down my country, manYou’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me

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