Don Williams’ “Sing Me Back Home” is a country ballad that was released in 1974 as the lead single from his album of the same name. The song was written by Merle Haggard and tells the story of a prisoner who is about to be executed. The prisoner asks the warden to let him hear one last song before he dies, and the song he chooses is “Sing Me Back Home.”
The song is a beautiful and moving plea for redemption. The prisoner sings about his longing to return home to his family and friends. He knows that he has made mistakes, but he asks for forgiveness and a second chance.
“Sing Me Back Home” was a major hit for Don Williams. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Williams’ gentle vocals and Haggard’s songwriting.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Alan Jackson. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Sopranos.”
“Sing Me Back Home” is a classic country ballad that has stood the test of time. It is a song about hope, redemption, and the power of music.
Background and Recording
“Sing Me Back Home” was written by Merle Haggard in 1973. Haggard was inspired to write the song after reading about a prisoner who was executed in Texas. The prisoner had asked to hear “Sing Me Back Home” as his last song, and Haggard was moved by the story.
Haggard recorded the song himself in 1973, but it was not released as a single until 1974. Don Williams also recorded the song in 1974, and his version was released as the lead single from his album of the same name.
Williams’ version of “Sing Me Back Home” was a major hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Williams’ gentle vocals and Haggard’s songwriting.
Personnel
- Don Williams – vocals
- Merle Haggard – guitar
- Ray Edenton – guitar
- Buddy Emmons – pedal steel guitar
- Bobby Thompson – banjo
- Jack Clement – bass
- Jerry Carrigan – drums
- Produced by Don Williams and Garth Fundis
Legacy
“Sing Me Back Home” is a classic country ballad that has stood the test of time. It is a song about hope, redemption, and the power of music. The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Alan Jackson. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Sopranos.”
In 2014, “Sing Me Back Home” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song was recognized for its “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.”
“Sing Me Back Home” is a beautiful and moving song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners. It is a reminder of the power of music to heal and to give hope.