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Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard
Vocals
Merle Haggard & The Strangers
Merle Haggard & The Strangers
Performer
Roy Nichols
Roy Nichols
Electric Guitar
Norm Hamlet
Norm Hamlet
Steel Guitar
Bobby Wayne
Bobby Wayne
Guitar
Dennis Hromek
Dennis Hromek
Bass Guitar
Biff Adam
Biff Adam
Drums
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard
Songwriter
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Mark Chalecki
Mark Chalecki
Mastering Engineer
Jim Beavers
Jim Beavers
Compilation Producer
Ken Nelson
Ken Nelson
Producer

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Daddy Frank played the guitar and the French harp
And sister played the ringin' tambourine
And Mama couldn't hear our pretty music
But she read our lips and helped the family sing
That little band was all a part of livin'
And our only means of livin' at the time
And it wasn't like no normal family combo
'Cause Daddy Frank, The Guitar Man was blind
[Verse 2]
Frank and Mama counted on each other
Their one and only weakness made 'em strong
Mama did the drivin' for the family
And Frank made a livin' with his song
Home was just a camp along the highway
Pick-up bed was where we bedded down
Don't ever once remember goin' hungry
But I remember Mama cookin' on the ground
[Verse 3]
Daddy Frank played the guitar and the French harp
Sister played the ringin' tambourine
Mama couldn't hear the pretty music
But she read our lips and helped the family sing
That little band was all a part of livin'
And our only means of livin' at the time
And it wasn't like no normal family combo
'Cause Daddy Frank, The Guitar Man was blind
[Verse 4]
Don't remember how they got acquainted
I can't recall just how it came to be
There had to be some special help from someone
And blessed be the one who let it be
Fever caused my mama's loss of hearin'
Daddy Frank was born without his sight
And Mama needed someone she could lean on
And I believe The Guitar Man was right
[Verse 5]
Daddy Frank played the guitar and the French harp
Sister played the ringin' tambourine
Mama couldn't hear the pretty music
She read our lips and helped the family sing
That little band was all a part of livin'
And our only means of livin' at the time
And it wasn't like no normal family combo
'Cause Daddy Frank, The Guitar Man was blind
Written by: Merle Haggard
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