World War II in the Basque Country Spain, Donostia became a tranquil retreat for German army officers. During wartime, many in France supported the Nazi regime and its persecution of Jews, communists, and foreigners. Others resisted, but were deeply divided. In the French Basque Country, the bulk of the Basques showed an allegiance to the Vichy regime. Petain showed a sympathy towards traditional and regional features, which provided fertile grounds to re-launch a Regionalist movement represented by the "Eskualerristes" and the journal "Aitzina" ('forward') magazine, some of whose members defended an overt separatist approach. Jean Ybarnegaray became Minister in a cabinet of Marshall Petain up to 1940.
Off to Join the World "If Merle Would Sing My Song", which was a solo rendition on the original album, was partially re-recorded with Merle Haggard appearing as a featured artist in the track that appeared on new album. "How Do You Get That Lonely" was issued as the second single from the "Off to Join the World" album. This song became the highest-charting song of Larsen's career, reaching number 18 on the country charts and number 91 on the "Billboard" Hot 100. Finally, in mid-2005, "The Best Man" was released as the third single, peaking at number 36 on the country charts. Off to