Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)
Merle Haggard
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I wish a buck was still silver It was back when the country was strong Back before Elvis, before Vietnam war came along Before the Beatles and yesterday When a man could still work and still would Is the best of the free life behind us now And are the good times really over for good? And are we rolling downhill like a snowball headed for hell With no kinda chance for the flag or the liberty bell? Wish a Ford and a Chevy Would still last ten years like they should Is the best of the free life behind us now And 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 T.V Before microwave ovens when a girl could still cook, and still would Is the best of the free life behind us now Are the good times really over for good? Are we rolling downhill like a snowball headed for hell With no kinda chance for the flag or the liberty bell Wish a Ford and a Chevy Would still last ten years like they should Is the best of the free life behind us now And are the good times really over for good? Stop rolling downhill like a snowball headed for hell Stand up for the flag and let's all ring the liberty bell Let's make a Ford and a Chevy That would still last ten years like they should 'Cause the best of the free life is still yet to come And the good times ain't over for good
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Written by: MERLE HAGGARD
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
7 facts about this song
Artist Facts"Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)" is a song by Merle Haggard, an American country singer, guitarist, fiddler, and songwriter.
- Haggard is considered one of the most important figures in country music, with a career spanning more than five decades.
- He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
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Song ReleaseThe song was released in May 1982 as the fourth single from the album "Big City."
- It peaked at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles.
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Song ContentThe song laments the passing of the good old days, and changes in American culture.
- Haggard wrote the song in response to the rapid modernization and commercialization of country music and the decline of traditional values in society.
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Reception and ImpactThe song has become one of Haggard's most enduring works and is considered a classic in the genre of country music.
- It has been covered extensively by other artists, including Randy Travis and Collin Raye.
- In 2006, the song was re-released on Haggard's album of duets with George Jones titled "Kicking Out the Footlights...Again".
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Unique AspectsThe song title's phrase "I wish a buck was still silver" refers to the time when U.S. dollar coins were made out of silver.
- In the music video of the song, Haggard is seen riding in a snowcat, symbolizing his journey through time.
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Awards and RecognitionThe song was nominated for a Grammy award in the Best Country Vocal Performance, Male category in 1983.
- In 2014, Rolling Stone ranked the song number 22 on its list of the 100 greatest country songs.
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Cultural ImpactThe song resonated with a lot of people and became an anthem for those who felt society was moving too fast and losing touch with its roots.
- Its cultural significance has endured, and the song is often cited in discussions about nostalgia, the passing of time, and societal change.
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"Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 3 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1443084/Merle+Haggard/Are+the+Good+Times+Really+Over+%28I+Wish+a+Buck+Was+Still+Silver%29>.
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