Meaning of "Big City" by Merle Haggard

The lyrics of "Big City" convey a longing for freedom and a rejection of the traditional expectations of society. The singer is disillusioned with the city, where hard work is not always rewarded, and desires to escape to a place like Montana, where he can enjoy the fruits of his labor without the constraints of retirement and social security. This song reflects a common sentiment of feeling trapped in a cycle of work and unfulfillment and yearning for a simpler, more authentic way of life. It speaks to the idea of breaking free from societal norms and seeking fulfillment on one's own terms.