About the song
“Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)” by Merle Haggard, backed by The Strangers, is a poignant reflection on societal changes and the passage of time. Released in May 1982 as the third single from his album Big City, the song resonated deeply with audiences, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and claiming the top spot on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.
At its core, the song laments the perceived decline of traditional values and simpler times, juxtaposed against a backdrop of modern complexities. Haggard’s lyrics span a wide spectrum of references, touching on pop culture icons like The Beatles and Elvis Presley, emblematic American brands such as Ford, Chevy, and Coca-Cola, and significant historical events like the Vietnam War and the Nixon presidency. These references serve as nostalgic touchstones, contrasting an idealized past with a present characterized by what Haggard views as diminishing moral values and societal norms.
The song’s lyrics poignantly express concerns about the erosion of work ethic and self-reliance among men, and the perceived shift in domestic roles with women less inclined or skilled in traditional homemaking tasks like cooking. Haggard’s introspective lyrics evoke a sense of longing for a time when life seemed simpler, values were clearer, and silver currency held tangible value—a metaphor for a bygone era of economic stability and cultural unity.
“Are the Good Times Really Over” struck a chord with listeners not only for its nostalgic themes but also for its introspective questioning of societal progress and its implications. It encapsulates Haggard’s ability to blend personal reflection with broader social commentary, a hallmark of his songwriting that resonates with audiences across generations.
Through its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody, “Are the Good Times Really Over” continues to endure as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the complexities of societal change, solidifying Merle Haggard’s legacy as a keen observer of American life and values.
“Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)” by Merle Haggard, backed by The Strangers, is a poignant reflection on societal changes and the passage of time. Released in May 1982 as the third single from his album Big City, the song resonated deeply with audiences, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and claiming the top spot on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.
At its core, the song laments the perceived decline of traditional values and simpler times, juxtaposed against a backdrop of modern complexities. Haggard’s lyrics span a wide spectrum of references, touching on pop culture icons like The Beatles and Elvis Presley, emblematic American brands such as Ford, Chevy, and Coca-Cola, and significant historical events like the Vietnam War and the Nixon presidency. These references serve as nostalgic touchstones, contrasting an idealized past with a present characterized by what Haggard views as diminishing moral values and societal norms.
The song’s lyrics poignantly express concerns about the erosion of work ethic and self-reliance among men, and the perceived shift in domestic roles with women less inclined or skilled in traditional homemaking tasks like cooking. Haggard’s introspective lyrics evoke a sense of longing for a time when life seemed simpler, values were clearer, and silver currency held tangible value—a metaphor for a bygone era of economic stability and cultural unity.
“Are the Good Times Really Over” struck a chord with listeners not only for its nostalgic themes but also for its introspective questioning of societal progress and its implications. It encapsulates Haggard’s ability to blend personal reflection with broader social commentary, a hallmark of his songwriting that resonates with audiences across generations.
Through its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody, “Are the Good Times Really Over” continues to endure as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the complexities of societal change, solidifying Merle Haggard’s legacy as a keen observer of American life and values.
Video
Lyrics
I wish a buck was still silver
It was back when the country was strong
Back before Elvis
Before the Vietnam war came alongBefore The Beatles and ‘Yesterday’
When a man could still work, still would
The best of the free life behind us now
And are the good times really over for good?Are we rolling down hill
Like a snowball headed for Hell?
With no kind of chance
For the Flag or the Liberty BellWish a Ford and a Chevy
Could still last ten years, like they should
Is the best of the free life behind us now?
Are the good times really over for good?I wish Coke was still Cola
And a joint was a bad place to be
It was back before Nixon lied to us all on TVBefore microwave ovens
When a girl could still cook and still would
The best of the free life behind us now
Are the good times really over for good?Are we rolling down hill
Like a snowball headed for Hell?
With no kind of chance
For the Flag or the Liberty BellWish a Ford and a Chevy
Could still last ten years, like they should
Is the best of the free life behind us now?
Are the good times really over for good?Stop rolling down hill
Like a snowball headed for Hell
Stand up for the Flag
And let’s all ring the Liberty BellLet’s make a Ford and a Chevy
Still last ten years like they should
The best of the free life is still yet to come
The good times ain’t over for good