I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am

"I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in October 1968 as the only single from his album Pride in What I Am. The song peaked at number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It reached number-one on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks in January 1969. The song was covered by Dean Martin and released as a single in mid-1969. A tape recorder version of this song was played at the funeral of late Lynyrd Skynyrd vocalist, Ronnie Van Zant.

Personnel

 * Merle Haggard– vocals, guitar

The Strangers:
 * Roy Nichols – guitar, harmonica
 * Norman Hamlet – steel guitar
 * George French – piano
 * Jerry Ward – bass
 * Eddie Burris – drums

Chart performance

 * Merle Haggard


 * Dean Martin
 * Jerry Butler