Lyrics Page
Under The Bridge
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Aug 7, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Song Meaning
Merle Haggard's song "Under the Bridge" tells the story of a man who loses his job after twenty years and finds himself homeless and hungry. He copes by imagining that the space under a bridge is a castle, where he and his baby can pretend to be royalty. The song captures the pain of loss and the human need for dignity and hope, even in desperate circumstances. It is a poignant narrative about resilience and the power of imagination to provide comfort when reality is harsh. The lyrics do not contain explicit Christian themes or references to God, faith, or scripture.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
I lost my job in Saginaw working on the railroad
After twenty years, they just put me on the side
Now I'm hungry in the streets, no place to hang my hat
And nothing but an empty dream to ride
But under the bridge, I can make believe I'm living in a castle
Under the bridge, my baby and me
I can pretend that I'm a king and this is my kingdom
Under the bridge making believe
Hey, the door is always open to any old weary traveler
And you'll find some great grub feedin' here below
Any old bridge can be a palace, call it what you want to
It's a place to be when you got no place to go
Under the bridge, I can make believe I'm living in a castle
Under the bridge, my baby and me
I can pretend that I'm a king and this is my kingdom
Under the bridge making believe
Under the bridge making believe