Are the Good Times Really Over

Merle Haggard

About Are the Good Times Really Over

"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:
1977
9,907 
#17

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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


11 facts about this song

Composer Details
"Are the Good Times Really Over" was written by Merle Haggard himself, proving his prowess as a talented songwriter, not just a performer.
Release Year
The song was released in May 1982 as part of the album "Big City". This was near the peak of Haggard's musical career.
Performance Chart
On the U.S Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, the song peaked at the #2 spot.
Social Message
The song’s lyrics regret the passing of 'the good old days', and ponder if "the good times" have ended. It shows Haggard's concern about the changing social and political landscape in America.
Title Inspiration
The song's full title "Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)" reflects Haggard's longing for the past, a time when money had more value, and society was perceived as more stable and secure.
Iconic Line
The line "I wish a Ford and Chevrolet would still last 10 years, like they should" has been heavily noted by fans and critics as capturing the essence of Haggard's views on the loss of quality and authenticity over progress and modernization.
Enduring Popularity
Many years after its release, the song continues to be popular especially among fans of traditional country music, a testament to Haggard's enduring appeal.
Music Video
In the official music video of "Are the Good Times Really Over", Merle Haggard is seen in a nostalgic setting, singing and playing his guitar.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, a testament to its lasting impact on the genre. Notable cover versions include those by Randy Travis and Cody Jinks.
High Radio Airplay
At its peak, the song was heavily played on country radio stations across the United States, highlighting its popularity and commercial success.
Long lasting Impact
The song has remained relevant as it has been used in various forms of media over the years. Most notably, it was included in the soundtrack of the 2013 film "Nebraska."

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