Hank Williams Jr.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Oh, how we all love Monday night
When my song is done everyone's so pumped and hyped
Some won't stand for the anthem and that's their right
Well freedom isn't free, our military means our liberty
So if you're gonna take a knee, take a hike

[Verse 2]
So get behind the stars and stripes
Or just get the hell out and quit your gripe
So you got a long list of things that you don't like
Well, please do us a favor, all you America haters
If you're gonna take a knee, take a hike

[Verse 3]
I'm afraid the NFL means 'No For Long'
If they don't find a fix for what's goin' on
How 'bout a new boss like Condoleezza Rice
To say please do us a favor, all you America haters
If you're gonna take a knee, take a hike

[Verse 4: Hank Williams Jr. with Merle Haggard]
No, we don't apologize for America
That ol' VFW, that is sacred ground
And we like to sing along, on that good ol' Haggard song
When you're runnin' down our country, hoss, you're walkin' on the fightin' side of me (And Bocephus)
[Outro]
Well, please do us a favor, all you America haters
If you're gonna take a knee, take a hikeEmbed

Get ready to take a knee or take a hike because country music legends Hank Williams Jr. and Merle Haggard have teamed up to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking song that speaks to the current times. "Take a Knee, Take a Hike" is a collaboration that combines Williams' signature southern rock sound with Haggard's timeless country twang, resulting in a captivating musical experience.

In this song, Williams and Haggard touch upon one of the most controversial and polarizing topics of our era: protests during the national anthem. Through their lyrics and poignant delivery, they tackle the dissonance that exists in the country regarding the act of taking a knee as a form of protest. By juxtaposing taking a knee with taking a hike, the song provides a balanced perspective for listeners to contemplate.

About Take a Knee, Take a Hike

"Take a Knee, Take a Hike" serves as a powerful anthem that delves into the complexities of political discourse and personal beliefs. Both Williams and Haggard are known for their strong opinions, and this collaboration showcases their ability to express their perspectives through music.

The song begins with Hank Williams Jr.'s gritty vocals and a catchy country-rock guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track. As the song progresses, Merle Haggard's iconic voice joins in, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the song.

Lyrically, "Take a Knee, Take a Hike" pulls no punches. The song highlights the division within the country, as lines like "If you're disrespecting me, I'm gonna disrespect you too" create a sense of confrontational energy. The lyrics not only address the issue of athletes taking a knee during the national anthem but also question the motivations behind such actions.

In addition to the thought-provoking lyrics, the instrumentation enhances the overall impact of the song. The blend of guitars, drums, and soaring vocal harmonies creates a sense of urgency and passion. Both Williams and Haggard's musical styles shine through, with elements of country and southern rock seamlessly blending together.

One aspect that sets "Take a Knee, Take a Hike" apart is its ability to provide listeners with a multi-dimensional perspective. Rather than simply expressing a black-or-white viewpoint, the song challenges listeners to consider different angles and sparks conversations about patriotism, freedom of speech, and social activism.

With their considerable experience in the music industry, both Hank Williams Jr. and Merle Haggard bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to "Take a Knee, Take a Hike." Their collaboration not only showcases their individual talents but also highlights the power of music in fostering conversations and unity.

Throughout their shared career, Williams and Haggard have consistently proven themselves as influential figures in country music. Their respective catalogs of hits and captivating performances have endeared them to fans worldwide. With "Take a Knee, Take a Hike," they continue to demonstrate their ability to evolve with the times and address pressing issues without compromising their artistic integrity.

In a time when the world is more divided than ever, music has the power to bridge gaps and promote understanding. "Take a Knee, Take a Hike" is not only a powerful piece of music but also an invitation for dialogue and reflection. Whether you agree or disagree with the lyrics, this song encourages listeners to engage in thoughtful conversations and explore the complexities of our societal landscape.

So, take a listen and let the combination of Hank Williams Jr.'s and Merle Haggard's voices transport you into a world of contemplation, where music becomes a catalyst for change.

• Release Date: October 5, 2018
• Artist: Hank Williams Jr.