CATEGORIES » MEANING OF THE SONG

The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Driving the Herd" by the artist "Willie Nelson Merle Haggard"

In their song "Driving the Herd," Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard reflect on their roles as musicians and their relationships with their fans.

Merle Haggard, perhaps the more cynical of the two, likens his role to that of a herder "ridin' drag" and "eatin' dust." He acknowledges the hard work and lack of glory associated with his position, but accepts his fate: "It's my job." His task is to "push 'em on" and "drive the herd," meaning to guide and motivate the audience, even if it requires personal sacrifice.

Willie Nelson, in contrast, describes a more reciprocal relationship with his fans. His music has become intertwined with their lives, accompanying them through both joy and sorrow ("They go to sleep on my song, wake up to my song"). He recognizes that he receives as much as he gives ("I give, and I take"), finding fulfillment in knowing that his music touches people's hearts and souls ("I play for the love and the soul").

In the chorus, which they sing together, the image of "driving the herd" takes on a new meaning. It becomes a metaphor for the uncertainty and two-way influence inherent in the artist-audience dynamic. It's unclear who is leading whom: the artist guiding the crowd with their music, or the desires and responses of the audience shaping the artist's creative path. Ultimately, it is the audience's reaction ("They're gonna sing along with me every night") that validates the artist's success and lets them know they are on the right track.

[Merle Haggard:]

I know my part

I'll bring up the rear

I'll eat the dust

You know, I don't care

That's what I do

I'll get them through

I'm driving the herd

[Willie Nelson:]

I sing them to sleep

I sing them awake

They like my songs

I give and I take

I know my part

I play for love and heart

[Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard: 2x]

I'm driving the herd

Maybe I'm following

They'll let me know

If I'm doing it right

They'll sing-a-long with me every night

That's how I know

That they're liking the show

Well, I'm driving the herd

Or maybe they're driving me?

More Articles
The song "All Things Must Pass" by Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson is a song about the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change, even when it comes to love and loss.The lyrics are full of natural metaphors that emphasize the cyclical nature of life
This song, "You Are My Sunshine" by Willie Nelson and Leon Russell, is a heart-wrenching ballad about lost love and unrequited feelings. The lyrics portray a heartbroken narrator lamenting the loss of his lover to another
The song "Trouble in Mind" by Willie Nelson and Leon Russell depicts a lyrical protagonist consumed by profound sadness and despair. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and suicidal ideation
Willie Nelson and Leon Russell's "Tenderly" paints an idyllic picture of love and unity with nature. The lyrics are filled with sensuality and tenderness, conveying the fragility and preciousness of the moment
Willie Nelson and Leon Russell's song "The Wild Side of Life" tells a story of heartbreak and regret. The lyrical hero addresses his former lover, who left him for "the wild side of life" – a world of parties, alcohol, and superficial relationships
Willie Nelson and Leon Russell's "Summertime" is a lullaby brimming with tenderness and promises of a carefree life. The lyrics paint an idyllic picture of summer nature flourishes ("fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high"), and the family enjoys love and prosperity ("your daddy's rich and your mama's good lookin'")
Feedback: mail@wikimeaning.com
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
About Wikimeaning