About the Song
Alright, settle in folks, and let’s take a trip down memory lane with a classic country tune that ponders the twists and turns of life. This one’s called “Some of Us Fly”, and it’s a duet by two country music heavyweights: the legendary Merle Haggard and the ever-outspoken Toby Keith.
Haggard, of course, needs no introduction. A true outlaw country pioneer, his voice has carried the stories of the working class, the down-and-out, and those who marched to the beat of their own drum for decades. Now, pair that with the grit and patriotism of Toby Keith, known for his anthems about small-town America and celebrating the American spirit. Put those two together, and you’ve got a recipe for a song that reflects on life’s ups and downs with a healthy dose of honesty and a touch of defiance.
“Some of Us Fly” isn’t your typical, feel-good country tune. It doesn’t shy away from the hard realities that life throws our way. The opening lines paint a vivid picture: “Such a unique design/But there’s one common trait/To the scheme of it all/When life deals you a hand/You, you don’t throw it away/And the cards that you draw/Are the cards that you play.” Right from the start, the song acknowledges the randomness of life’s circumstances, but also emphasizes the importance of playing the hand you’re dealt.
Now, Haggard and Keith take turns reflecting on the different paths people take. “Some don’t give a damn, some give it their all,” they sing, highlighting the spectrum of approaches we take to life’s challenges. The song explores the inevitable falls and stumbles, the moments where we “spiral down in a circle” or “climb too steeply and stall.” But it also acknowledges the triumphs, the times we “make the bed we sleep in” or “play smart and have a ball.”
There’s a sense of acceptance woven throughout “Some of Us Fly”. It doesn’t preach or offer easy answers. Instead, it simply observes the human experience in all its messy glory. It reminds us that life is a journey with unexpected turns, and that sometimes, “some of us fly, some of us fall.” Whether we soar high or take a tumble, the song seems to say, it’s all part of the ride. So, put on your boots, grab your favorite beverage, and let Haggard and Keith take you on a journey of reflection with this thought-provoking country classic.