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 performed by American country music artist Merle Haggard. It was released in October 1968 as the only single from his album Pride in What I Am. "I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am" 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.