Lyrics Page
Out Among The Stars
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Aug 24, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Merle Haggard's song 'Out Among the Stars' tells the story of a desperate young man who attempts a robbery but has a change of heart, only to be killed by police. The lyrics reflect on the weariness of life's burdens and the longing for escape and peace, symbolized by flying like eagles among the stars. While not explicitly religious, the song touches on themes of redemption, hope, and the desire for a better existence, which can resonate with Christian listeners. The narrative is poignant and human, focusing on brokenness and the search for relief.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
It's midnight at a liquor store in Texas.
Beneath the neon, close up's just begun.
When a boy walks in the door and points a pistol.
He can't find a job, but man, he's found a gun.
But a change of heart before there's confrontation.
Let's the old man live and run out in the street.
But he knows that soon they'll come with guns a blazing.
And already he can feel a great relief.
Oh how many travelers get weary,
Bearing both their burdens and their scars,
Don't you think they'd love to stop complaining,
And fly like eagles out among the stars.
He pictures the arrival of the cruisers.
Sees that old familiar anger in their eyes.
He knows that when they're shooting at this loser,
They'll be aiming at the daemons in their lives.
Oh how many travelers get weary,
Bearing both their burdens and their scars,
Don't you think they'd love to stop complaining,
And fly like eagles out among the stars.
The evening news it carries all the details.
He dies in every living room in town.
And in his home a bottle's thrown in anger.
And his father cries, "We'll never live this down."
Oh how many travelers get weary,
Bearing both their burdens and their scars,
Don't you think they'd love to stop complaining,
And fly like eagles out among the stars.
Oh-Oh, and fly like eagles out among the stars.