“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something magical about hearing a song that feels like it carries the weight of a legacy while still sounding fresh and alive. That’s exactly what Noel and Ben Haggard achieve with their rendition of “The Runnin’ Kind” and “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive.” These two tracks, originally made famous by their father, the legendary Merle Haggard, are more than just songs—they’re pieces of history, stories of rebellion, and heartfelt reflections on life’s struggles. And when Noel and Ben take the stage to perform them, it’s like they’re breathing new life into their father’s timeless words, while adding their own unique voices to the mix.
“The Runnin’ Kind” is a song that speaks to the restless spirit in all of us. It’s about the urge to keep moving, to chase something just out of reach, even when you’re not sure what that something is. Merle Haggard wrote it as a reflection of his own life, a man who was always on the move, both physically and emotionally. When Noel and Ben sing it, you can feel the weight of that restlessness, but there’s also a sense of pride—like they’re honoring their father’s journey while acknowledging their own. The harmonies they create together are rich and soulful, and you can hear the love they have for the music in every note.
Then there’s “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive,” a song that’s as iconic as it is haunting. Originally released in 1966, it was one of Merle’s first big hits and a defining moment in his career. The song tells the story of a man on the run, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and the consequences of his choices. It’s raw, honest, and deeply human—qualities that made Merle Haggard a voice for the everyman. When Noel and Ben perform it, they don’t just sing the words; they embody them. There’s a vulnerability in their delivery that makes you feel like you’re right there with the fugitive, running from the past but unable to escape it.
What makes this performance so special is the way Noel and Ben balance reverence for their father’s legacy with their own artistic expression. They don’t try to imitate Merle; instead, they bring their own personalities and experiences to the songs. It’s a beautiful reminder that music is a living, breathing thing—something that evolves and grows with each new generation.
These songs aren’t just about running or being on the run. They’re about identity, family, and the stories we carry with us. For Noel and Ben, performing them is a way of keeping their father’s spirit alive while carving out their own place in the world of country music. And for listeners, it’s a chance to connect with something real and timeless—a reminder that no matter how far we run, we’re all searching for the same things: love, understanding, and a place to call home.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Down every road, there’s always one more city
I’m on the run, the highway is my home
I raised a lot of Cain back in my younger days
While Mama used to pray my crops would fail
Now I’m a hunted fugitive with just two ways
Outrun the law or spend my life in jail
[Chorus]
I’d like to settle down, but they won’t let me
A fugitive must be a rolling stone
Down every road, there’s always one more city
I’m on the run, the highway is my home
[Verse 2]
I’m lonely, but I can’t afford the luxury
Of having one I love to come along
She’d only slow me down and they’d catch up with me
For he who travels fastest goes alone
[Chorus]
I’d like to settle down, but they won’t let me
A fugitive must be a rolling stone
Down every road there’s always one more city
I’m on the run, the highway is my home
I’m on the run, the highway is my home