Merle Haggard - Mama's Hungry Eyes

Merle Haggard Mama's Hungry Eyes Live Perfomance 2013
"Hungry Eyes" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in December 1968 as the first single from the album A Portrait of Merle Haggard. The song was one of the most famous of his career.

During the late 1960s, Haggard released a series of recordings many critics have deemed to be not only some of his greatest works, but some of the most significant in the history of country music. "Hungry Eyes" — sometimes known as "Mama's Hungry Eyes" — is one of those recordings.

"Hungry Eyes" is a tribute to Oklahomans and others who lived in labor camps during the Great Depression, the time period in which this song is set. "(I)t is Haggard's way of commemorating a whole generation of Okies who persisted through persecution and suffering to transplant their culture to California," Malone wrote.

"Hungry Eyes," whose somber tone underscored the hope-filled despair of its main subject, Mama, was a track on Haggard's 1969 album A Portrait of Merle Haggard. Music critic Mark Deming noted that the song was among three of Haggard's finest songs to appear on the album; "Silver Wings" and "Workin' Man's Blues" were the other two. "(M)ost country artists would be happy to cut three tunes this strong during the course of their career, let alone as part of one of six albums Hag would release in 1969," wrote Deming.

"Hungry Eyes" was released in February 1969, and reached number one on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart.
Merle Haggard Mama's Hungry Eyes Lyrics
A canvas-covered cabin in a crowded labour camp
Stand out in this memory I revived
'Cause my daddy raised a family there, with two hard-working hands
And tried to feed my mama's hungry eyes

He dreamed of something better, and my mama's faith was strong
And us kids were just to young to realize
That another class of people put us somewhere just below
One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes

Mama never had the luxuries she wanted
But it wasn't 'cause my daddy didn't try
She only wanted things she really needed
One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes

I remember daddy praying for a better way of life
But I don't recall a change of any size
Just a little loss of courage, as their age began to show
And more sadness in my mama's hungry eyes

Mama never had the luxuries she wanted
But it wasn't 'cause my daddy didn't try
She only wanted things she really needed
One more reason for my mama's hungry eyes

Oh, I still recall my mama's hungry eyes
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[joaquinybarra]

Another Pearl from Merle !
Straight from The ❤️A True Poet
By the Grace of GOD, Everybody wants to be Rich, but it ain’t bout $, yet u never 4 get growin up poor …
Thank U Sir! & your Family 🌹🌹🌹

[City-Bisquits]

There will never ever be another man that can fill his shoes. I loved his music deeply.

[kevinmccarey]

Mearle Haggard, wow no better than that. His sons are very talented and keep his memory alive. God bless to you Mearle, you have had a tough life at times. But you are absolutely the most talented Country Western Singer that has ever lived.

Amen

[rhondaboncutter]

Merle was one of my Dad's favorites! We used to sing together on the back porch to Merle's songs when I was a young teen!

[ericedudzi]

The was absolutely no one in America who writes really life stories and sing them better than The Icon Merle haggard, Live long Haggard RIP!!!...

[bonniejulien]

God how I wish I had known Merle Haggard and just to shake his hand and tell him how much we all love him

[bonniejulien]

One of the most talented on the earth
Rip cousin Merle

[ngzcaz]

His son Marty also does this extremely well.. Though his hands were shaking trying to play the guitar, his voice cracked and the inflections were classic Merle. I liked the raw feelings he was able to invoke.

[royzee]

A Professional to the end, just brilliant! I think Marty knew, I'm sure he looks back on this with pride and sadness! xx

[bonniejulien]

that was how it was in the depression time.but with God's help we survived

[habs]

Third verse is so good he sang it twice.

[Brewsky]

Once in a lifetime a truly gifted singer entertains us that’s Merle Haggard

[Corgiwoman]

Listen to this and then listen to his son Marty Haggard sing the same song. Apple didn't fall far from tree.

[Mosely]

His son Marty nails this song. His sons are talented.

[farrellcurtis]

My favorite all time singer. I am enjoying hearing his 3 sons carrying on the tradution

[Motorsport-Fan]

This man was one of the greatest ever🇺🇲🎸
I love country music and the USA🎸🇺🇲 Greetings from germany 🇩🇪

[genevalievsay]

My favorite Merle Haggard song reminds me so much of Mom and Dad. I LOVE YOU BABY

[ghmsr]

Mighty fine. Marty and the Fabulous Superlatives really know how to compliment the guest artist. Great looking Telecaster too!

[josmotherman]

Oh, man. That was rough. I felt so bad. Then I looked at Marty, and he looked like he was feeling the same way. Anyone that loves Country music knows that Merle has been the man since the mid 60's. And there is no young artist from 1970 on that doesn't owe it to Merle. Marty and his band included. And they know it. Thank you Marty for making this effort for Mighty Merle. I know it was painful for all.
RIP to the Honest Poet of the Working Man.

[josephpearce]

I cried when I heard he died!!!! A legend and a prolific songwriter