Lyrics Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard

Bill Woods from Bakersfield

Bakersfield

An oil town that really had it's boon during the heart of the depression

And Bakersfield also destined to become somewhat of a center for country music

And even as back as the early 50's it began to gain national recognition

For the popularity of songs like Dear John Letter Ferlin Husky's Gone

And a string novelity hits from Leonard Sipes or better known as Tommy Collins

Country music is a profession in Bakersfield

And like all other professions whether it be that of a Doctor

Or a Scientist or a steady ditch digger

Everyone seems to have a particular someone who offered that helping hand

At the right time

And country music is no exception

But in Bakersfield that same helping hand kept reachin' out time after time

To different people such as Jeanne Sheppard Ferlin Husky Tommy Collins

Buck Owens Billy Mize Herb Henson Merle Haggard and also Red Simpson

Who saw reason to compose this song called Bill Woods From Bakersfield

Bill here's to you

Let me tell you all a story bout a guitar pickin' man

To me he is the greatest picker in the land

He's taught me how to play in G and he taught me how to sing in key

Bill Woods from Bakersfield the Bakersfield guitar man

Well Bill gave old Buck the first job he ever had

Bill must've been a good teacher cause old Buck didn't do too bad

He sets up there chewin' his ole cigar playin' Wildwood Flower on his guitar

Bill Woods from Bakersfield the Bakersfield guitar man

Well Bill never hit it big but he didn't miss it far

And in my book he'll always be considered a star

I followed him and he taught me guitar pickin' and harmony

Bill Woods from Bakersfield the Bakersfield guitar man

When the roll is called up yonder and we've all met our quest

I bet he'll be chosen to pick there with the best

Up there with his gold guitar well things're right Bill will be a star

Bill Woods from Bakersfield the Bakersfield guitar man

Well everybody loves old Bill cause he's quite a man

And if anybody should need some help well he'll sure lend you a hand

There's one more thing I'd like to say before my story's through

Bill Woods from Bakersfield we're all proud of you