‘I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink’ was Merle Haggard’s twenty-sixth number one country hit. The single remained at number one for a week and spent a total of twelve weeks on the country chart. Written by Haggard alone, it notably features an extended jam section. That instrumental flash was heard in October 2015 when Haggard visited the Grand Ole Opry. His Opry ‘I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink’ version moves at a faster tempo than the studio recording. But, it still makes room for some instrumentals. Also, it includes a funky guitar solo from Haggard before the final notes rise.
A Tribute from a Longtime Friend
Called Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard, country singers including Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss, Toby Keith, and Hank Williams Jr. all gathered to honor the man who was known to the world as “The Hag.”
Hank Williams Jr. performed The Hag’s 1980 smash hit ‘I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink’ in front of the sold-out Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. With the help of Haggard’s legendary band – “The Strangers”, Hank Jr. delighted the stage the only way he knows with enthusiasm.
https://youtu.be/K-jMA5q5HKU
Bocephus has covered this particular Haggard tune before. In 2012, he also released his version of the song on his album ‘Old School New Rules’. It even featured new vocals from Haggard. The duo taped some behind the scenes shots of them recording it and turned it into the lyric video. Watch how the two shared the studio together, swamped with each other blending vocals.
Much as we did, we’re sure Hank Jr.’s longtime friend was clapping from above enjoying the live performance of ‘I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink’. Visit our website again at https://www.countrythangdaily.com/ and listen to more country songs.
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