(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers

Liz Anderson wrote the song circa 1964 and had sent it to Nashville producers. Her friend Bonnie Owens encouraged her to meet with Haggard (Owens' beau at the time) and pitch some of her songs to the newcomer. Anderson was reluctant to do so, having already had songs recorded by national artists and not particularly interested in a regional performer and having never heard Haggard, not certain he had talent but agreed to meet with him out of her loyalty to Owens. Haggard likewise had never heard of Anderson and was not particularly pleased that Bonnie insisted they go to the Anderson home to listen to some songs however Merle and Liz hit it off and both proved to be in awe of the others' talents, with Haggard eventually recording several songs by Anderson he heard that night. He was particularly taken with "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers" and rushed into the studio to record it and planned it for a single release. After the track had been cut and the single printed, all involved learned Roy Drusky had also just recorded it and was releasing it as a single. Although both Drusky and Haggard versions eventually made it into the Billboard Hot Country Singles top ten, the competing records undoubtedly kept either version for being a top five and perhaps number one record.

The song's narrator is embittered by a deceitful lover, not only vowing to be through with love but trusting in anyone at all.