"I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am" is a classic country song written and recorded by Merle Haggard and his band, The Strangers.

Released in October 1968, it was the title track and only single from his album Pride in What I Am.

The song was a major hit, peaking at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and reaching No. 1 in Canada.

The lyrics tell the story of a homeless, train-hopping transient or "hobo". It serves as a defiant anthem for the outsider, celebrating personal freedom, self-worth, and resilience despite living on the margins of society.

Haggard wrote the song about being comfortable with himself regardless of others' opinions.

It reflects his own "Bakersfield Sound" and his ability to capture the "underdog resilience" of working-class Americans.

Dean Martin recorded a popular version for his 1969 album of the same name.

A recording of the song was famously played at the funeral of Ronnie Van Zant, the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, who was a known fan of the track.

The song earned a nomination for ACM Song of the Year.