Keith Urban and Merle Haggard at the 2014 CMT Artists of the Year; Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMTYou’ll soon be hearing Merle Haggard’s 1968 hit, “Mama Tried” — or at least a piece of it — on country radio a lot, if Keith Urban has his way.
The Australian superstar samples the country classic on his new song, “Coming Home,” with the blessing of both the Hag’s widow Theresa and his son, Ben. In return for the use of the distinctive starting lick from “Mama Tried,” Merle gets a co-writing credit on the tune.
“Hearing that rolling Haggard guitar lick sparked memories of my childhood and my dream to come to America,” Keith says. “I knew right then the story [of the song] was about the struggles of being in a city where your dreams have brought you, but far from your home — wherever, whomever and whatever that is for each of us.”
Pop singer/songwriter Julia Michaels helped Keith finish the track, and sings on it as well.
“Coming Home” is available to stream or download now, and you can also check out its new lyric video on YouTube. It’s the latest release from Keith’s forthcoming Graffiti U album, which he’s busy finishing.
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