“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
When Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens joined forces on “Jackson,” they created something truly special. This isn’t just any duet – it’s a playful battle of wills between two people who shared both a stage and a life together. What makes their rendition particularly fascinating is the real-life dimension they brought to the song, as Bonnie was indeed “Mrs. Merle Haggard” from 1965 to 1978, adding an authentic layer to their performance that few other duet partners could match.
Originally written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber (though sometimes credited to Gaby Rodgers), “Jackson” tells the story of a married couple whose relationship has lost its spark. The husband threatens to go to Jackson to raise some hell, while the wife essentially says, “Go ahead, I’ll be right there with you, showing you up.” There’s a wonderful tension in the lyrics – part confrontation, part flirtation – that Haggard and Owens capture perfectly with their natural chemistry.
While Johnny Cash and June Carter’s version might be more widely recognized (having won a Grammy in 1968), the Haggard-Owens interpretation brings its own distinctive country flair. Merle’s deep, resonant voice contrasts beautifully with Bonnie’s sweeter tones, creating a dynamic that feels both authentic and emotionally charged. You can hear the playfulness in their delivery, suggesting two people who know each other inside and out.
What’s particularly touching about their collaboration is how it continued even after their marriage ended. Unlike many divorced couples, Haggard and Owens maintained a professional relationship, with Bonnie even continuing to tour with Merle after he remarried. This speaks volumes about their mutual respect and the special musical connection they shared.
“Jackson” stands as a testament to the magic that can happen when personal history and musical talent intertwine. When Haggard sings about going to Jackson, and Owens responds with confident defiance, you’re not just hearing two country stars performing – you’re witnessing a chapter in a complex, real-life relationship playing out through music.
Video
Lyrics
We got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
I’m goin’ to Jackson
I’m gonna mess around
Yeah, I’m goin’ down to Jackson
Look out Jackson town
Well, go on down to Jackson
Go ahead and wreck your health
Go play your hand, you big-talkin’ man
Make a big fool of yourself
Go on to Jackson
Go comb your hair
Honey, I’m gonna snowball Jackson
See if I care
When I breeze into that city
People gonna stoop and bow, hah
And all them women gonna make me
Teach ’em what they don’t know how
I’m goin’ to Jackson
You turn a-loose a-my coat
‘Cause I’m goin’ down to Jackson
Goodbye, that’s all she wrote
They’ll laugh at you in Jackson
Well, I’ma dancin’ on a Pony Keg
They’ll lead you ’round town like the scalded hound
With your tail tucked between your legs
Come on to Jackson
You big-talkin’ man
I’ll be waitin’ in Jackson
Behind my Jaypan Fan
Well, we got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
I’m goin’ to Jackson
And that’s a fact
Yeah, we’re goin’ down to Jackson
Ain’t never comin’ back
Well, we got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went
I’m goin’ to Jackson
You have to loosen my coat
I’m goin’ down on to Jackson
Goodbye, that’s all she wrote
Now we’re goin’ home