Some songs capture a feeling so vividly that you can almost smell the smoke in the air and taste the beer on your lips. “It’s Been A Great Afternoon”, sung by Merle Haggard, is one of those songs—a honky-tonk anthem that perfectly bottles the bittersweet aftermath of a rough night out. If you’ve ever woken up with a pounding headache, a few blurry memories, and the sinking realization that you might have gone a little too hard, this song will hit home in the best way.
Haggard, the master of storytelling in country music, paints the scene of a man coming to grips with the remnants of last night’s decisions. His delivery is effortlessly smooth, full of weary charm, like a cowboy tipping his hat while nursing a strong cup of coffee. The lyrics roll through the familiar haze of regret, self-reflection, and a touch of humor—because sometimes, all you can do is laugh at your own misadventures.
What makes this song so relatable isn’t just the words or melody, but the way it embraces the universal experience of letting loose a little too much. It’s the soundtrack for those slow-moving afternoons where the sun feels too bright, the coffee is never strong enough, and the only cure is to ease into the day with a little country music and a knowing grin.
At its core, “It’s Been A Great Afternoon” is more than just a song about a hangover. It’s about the ups and downs of life, the way we cope with our troubles, and the beauty of rolling with the punches. And if anyone could make even the groggiest of mornings sound poetic, it’s Merle Haggard
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Lyrics
… Last night we had a hell raisin’ time
Nippin’ on tequila and suckin’ on limes
Sunrise chased the good time away
And good morning would have been the wrong thing to say
‘Cause the poundin’ in the top of my head
Hey didn’t leave me any too soon
I can’t say we’ve had a good morning
But babe it’s been a great afternoon
… Well you nursed me through the morning while I was really down
Then one rowdy afternooner got me up and around
Yes last night we had one hell raisin’ time
But today won’t be forgotten too soon
I can’t say we’ve had a good morning
Oh but babe it’s been a great afternoon, yes sir
… Well you nursed me through the morning while I was really down
Then one rowdy afternooner got me up and around
Yes last night we had one hell raisin’ time, he he
But today won’t be forgotten too soon
I can’t say we’ve had a good morning
But dang it’s been a great afternoon