The Way I Am Lyrics
With a bamboo cane stuck in the sand
But the road I'm on don't seem to go there
So I'll just dream and keep on bein' the way I am.
Did what I do with willing hands
Some would run, oh but that aint like me
So I'll just dream and keep on bein' the way I am.
The way I am....reality
I can almost see that bobber dancing
So I'll just dream and keep on being the way I am. (x2)
To me, this song is a personal look into someone who isn't totally happy with the way or direction that his life is heading. Maybe the hussle and bussle of everyday life - such as being a professional musician - has gotten to be too much, and they long for somewhere remote and peaceful where they can relax and truly enjoy themselves. Another Haggard song, "Big City," reminds me of this tune; both songs have a protagonist who longs to get "Back to the Basics of Love [and life] (Waylon)." We've all been there, where we just wanted to get away from everyday life and get back to the simple, most important things in life.
This song reminds me of my uncle who in fact looked a lot like merle and sounded a little like him singing. He loved to fish (Bamboo cane stuck in the sand) and he was a musician who loved merle haggard. Cancer took him from us when i was 12. I began playing guitar around the time i turned 15 and now i'm a big merle fan. him and my grandpa (also a fantastic musician) died within 6 months of each other. I would give anything to just be able to sit down and pick guitar with them one time.