Haggard pens new song in honor of Obama

Story by: The Bakersfield Californian – Tuesday, Jan 20 2009 4:22 PM

Country legend and Oildale favorite son Merle Haggard was so moved by the historic events unfolding in Washington this week that he wrote a song praising President Barack Obama.

Haggard penned “Hopes Are High” late Sunday night and was recording it Tuesday, according to publicist Tresa Redburn.

Haggard made headlines in 2007 when he wrote a song for Hillary Clinton, Obama’s rival among Democrats for the party’s nomination for president. But he told Billboard.com that he wasn’t trying to stir any pots with the song. “I’m just reacting to the news,” he was quoted as saying.

Haggard, currently between record labels, hopes to have the tune on the Internet in a week, Redburn said.

“Hopes Are High”

Hopes are high, faith is strong

If we all try we can get along

Cause there’s a new day and a brighter day

With a new song to sing along

And there’s sunshine and blue sky

And hopes are high

There’s a blue bird atop a tree

Singing loud for you and me

He’s got a new note and a brighter note

That we should sing and let ring

Cause there’s sunshine and a blue sky

And hopes are high

We’ve got the bad times behind us

And the Good times up ahead

Bet your money on the promise land

And the good things that He said

We got a new style with a sincere smile

And a new song to sing along

And we’ve got sunshine and a new guy

And hopes are high

Hopes are high

We’ve got the bad times behind us

And we’ve got the good times up ahead

Put your money on America

And the good things he said

Cause there’s a new day and a brighter day

With a new song to sing along

And there’s sunshine and blue sky

And hopes are high