Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)

Merle Haggard

About Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)

"Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard backed by The Strangers. It was released in May 1982 as the third single from his album Big City. The song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and #1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.


Year:
1981
4:14
1,358 
#7

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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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Merle Haggard

Merle Ronald Haggard (born April 6, 1937) is an American country music song writer, singer, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster and the unique mix with the traditional country steel guitar sound, new vocal harmony styles in which the words are minimal, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville Sound recordings of the same era. more »

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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.
Song Release
The 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.
Song Content
The 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.
Reception and Impact
The 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".
Unique Aspects
The 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.
Awards and Recognition
The 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.
Cultural Impact
The 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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