Released in 1968, the song climbed the charts, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number three on Canadian RPM Country Tracks, solidifying Haggard's reputation as a master storyteller.
Glen Campbell Forums YouTube Channel
Merle Haggard – The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde: Unraveling the Tale of Outlaw Love
When you step into the realm of Merle Haggard’s «The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde,» you’re embarking on a journey through the heart of outlaw country. Imagine a world where love blooms amidst the chaos of crime, where two souls find solace in each other’s arms despite the odds stacked against them. This timeless ballad, recorded on January 31, 1968 and released on February 1968, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring allure of outlaw romance.
Behind the Scenes
Cover LP Merle Haggard Capitol 1968
Recorded for the album of the same name, «The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde» was produced by Ken Nelson, a seasoned industry veteran known for his meticulous attention to detail. Released in 1968, the song climbed the charts, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number three on Canadian RPM Country Tracks, solidifying Haggard’s reputation as a master storyteller.
Unveiling the Story
In this captivating narrative, Merle Haggard paints a vivid portrait of the infamous duo, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Their tale of love and lawlessness unfolds against the backdrop of the Great Depression, a tumultuous era marked by economic hardship and social upheaval. As the song chronicles their escapades, listeners are drawn into a world where passion collides with danger, where every stolen moment is tinged with the thrill of rebellion.
Meet the Maestro: Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard, hailed as one of the pioneers of the Bakersfield sound, carved a niche for himself in the annals of country music history. With a staggering 38 number-one hits on the Billboard country charts, including classics like «Okie from Muskogee» and «Mama Tried,» Haggard cemented his status as a true legend of the genre. His distinctive voice, coupled with his unparalleled songwriting prowess, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, «The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde» stands as a testament to Merle Haggard’s enduring legacy and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience through song. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of outlaw country or simply seeking a glimpse into the past, let this timeless classic transport you to a bygone era where love knows no bounds and adventure awaits at every turn.
Merle Haggard – The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde Lyrics
Bonnie was a waitress in a small cafe Clyde Barrow was the rounder that took her away They both robbed and killed until both of them died So goes the Legend of Bonnie and Clyde.
The poems that she wrote of the life that they led Told of the lawmen left dying or dead Some say that Clyde made her life a shame But the legend made Bonnie the head of the game.
The rampage grew wilder with each passing day The odds growing smaller with each get-a-way With the end growing closer the harder they fought With blood on their hands they were bound to get caught.
They drove back from town on one bright summer day When a man they befriended stepped out in the way With no thought of dyin’ they pulled to the side But death lay there waiting for Bonnie and Clyde.
Two years or runnin’ was ended that day For robbin’ and killin’ they both had to pay But we’ll always remember how they lived and died So goes the legend of Bonnie and Clyde.
Traditionally Yours November 20, 2025
This week my guest is Western Recording artist Aspen Blackwith 2 World Radio Christmas Premiers from NDXpress, more November Birthdays In Country Music plus more sounds of the season and Tradition Country Music & Western Swing by folks like: Chuck Cusimano, Jake Hooker...
Western Swing Time November 19, 2025
Randy “Tex” Hill, is the creator and host of Western Swing Time Radio. A professional musician for over 40 years, Randy started playing drums as a young boy growing up on a central Texas farm approximately 30 miles southf Austin. During that...
Western Music Time (19-25 Nov 2025)
Pee Wee King & His Golden West Cowboys + much more
Opening theme
Saddle Up! - The Reinsmen fea Bob Wagoner
Strawberry Roan - Sons of the Pioneers '64
Ridin' Down to Santa Fe - Merle Travis(g) w Wesley Tuttle (g), Shug Fisher(b), Frankie Marvin(s), Charlie...
Mae Out West November 13,2025
I'm a Lover Not a Fighter
Elton Britt - There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
Johnny Wright + Kitty Wells - Hello Vietnam
Merl Lindsay - Stealin' Sugar
Tune Wranglers - El Rancho Grande (1936)
Jim Reeves - Home (Live)
Merle Haggard - Fighting Side of Me
Bob Wills...
Mae Out West November 07,2025
Hello Trouble
Hank Thompson - Three Times Seven
Alseep at the Wheel - Chicks Too Young To Fry
Buck Owens and his Buckaroos - Hello Trouble
Dick Curless - China Nights
Billy Mize - You're From Texas
Billy Jack Wills - Dipsy Doodle
Bobby Flores - Bubbles in my Bear
Moon...
Mae Out West October 30,2025
Welcome to the Club
Wynn Stewart - Never Out of My Heart
Billy Mize - Cherokke Maiden
Bobby Durham - Welcome to the Club
Red Simpson - Bakersfield
Carolyn Martin - Texas to a T
Tony Booth - Something's Wrong
Justin Trevino - Three's a Crowd
Wade Benson Landry - Alligator...
Traditionally Yours November 13, 2025
This week my guests are Mackynsie McKedy with a World Radio Christmas Premier and Jack Phillips as we discuss his album Mixin’ Memories. Birthday highlights from The Late Dick Flood, Teddy Wilburn and Merle Travis. Dennis Jay will explain about his song Cowboy...
Western Swing Time November 12, 2025
Randy “Tex” Hill, is the creator and host of Western Swing Time Radio. A professional musician for over 40 years, Randy started playing drums as a young boy growing up on a central Texas farm approximately 30 miles southf Austin. During that...
Swinging November 15, 2025
SWINGING COUNTRY 10 AM - 12 PM CDT @ KSSLFM.COM
THowdy Friends this week Features Popular Groupings, Themes, and Pairings that just fit! Starting with David Cline, Jody Nix, Bobby Mackey. Next I continue with Today's Independent Artist Keeping the Names Music & Legacy Alive...
La Noche Del Cazador #24
Welcome back to "La Noche Del Cazador"
Hello friends, episode 24 of The Night of the Hunter is now available on Ivoox. Any sharing is welcome.
If you enjoy the program, you can subscribe on iVoox—it's completely free. All shares and promotion are greatly appreciated.
Juanmi...
Western Music Time (12-18 Nov 2025)
Western Music Hall of Fame - A Sampler
Opening theme
Sons of the Pioneers - Cool Water ('62) (worked w Gene Autry, Dick Foran, Chas Starrett, RR, Monte Hale & Rex Allen)
Gene Autry - Back in the Saddle Again
Cass County Boys - Long About...
Western Music Time (6-11 Nov 2025)
Mules & More
Opening theme
Sagebrush Symphony - Sons of the Pioneers
Rocky Mountain Lullaby - Roy Rogers & Sons of the Pioneers
Laramie - Rex Allen (from the film, Rails to Laramie)
Cattle Call - Ken Curtis & the Chuckwagon Jamboree
Tales of Wells Fargo - The...