You Don't Have Very Far to Go (1981 version) - Merle Haggard - MP3 instrumental karaoke

Written by Merle Haggard and Red Simpson, "You Don't Have Very Far to Go" was first recorded and released by Merle Haggard in 1964 and later revised as this 1981 offering – contained on his Big City album – which was pacier and more fully-formed than the high lonesome country of the '60s version. The late iconoclastic country music hero – who died in 2016, having recently suffered from double pneumonia – teamed up with country band The Strangers for his 1981 album Big City, his 33rd studio LP and his debut for the Epic label following his departure from MCA. Big City gave Merle Haggard a number three victory on the Billboard Country Album chart, went to number 161 on the Pop Album charts, and spawned two number one singles in the title track and "My Favorite Memory." Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver),” also picked up the Academy of Country Music 1982 Song of the Year award.