About the song
“Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)” is a reflective and evocative song by the legendary American country music artist Merle Haggard. This track was released in May 1982 as a single from Haggard’s album *Big City*. The song, penned by Haggard himself, captures a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, resonating deeply with audiences who have witnessed significant societal changes.
Merle Haggard, often celebrated as one of the most influential voices in country music, composed “Are the Good Times Really Over” during a period when the United States was experiencing economic and social shifts. The song’s lyrics express a yearning for simpler times and reflect on the disillusionment felt by many during the early 1980s. With poignant lines like “I wish a buck was still silver, and it was back when the country was strong,” Haggard taps into the collective sentiment of a generation that saw rapid changes in their way of life.
*Big City*, the album featuring this notable track, was both a commercial and critical success. Released in 1981, the album includes other significant hits such as the title track “Big City” and “My Favorite Memory.” The album itself reached the number three spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, solidifying Haggard’s place as a dominant force in country music during that era.
“Are the Good Times Really Over” achieved considerable success on the charts, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This achievement highlighted Haggard’s continued relevance and ability to connect with his audience through his heartfelt and relatable songwriting.
Haggard’s delivery of “Are the Good Times Really Over” is marked by his distinctive voice and emotional depth. His performance is imbued with authenticity, making listeners feel the weight of his reflections on the changing times. The song’s arrangement, featuring traditional country instrumentation, complements Haggard’s vocal delivery and enhances the overall impact of the track.
For older and more educated audiences, “Are the Good Times Really Over” offers a poignant reminder of the enduring power of country music to capture the essence of human experience. Haggard’s introspective lyrics and emotive performance resonate with those who have witnessed the ebb and flow of societal changes, making the song a timeless piece that continues to evoke reflection and sentimentality.
In conclusion, Merle Haggard’s “Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)” stands as a testament to the artist’s remarkable ability to articulate the complexities of life through music. Its success on the charts and its lasting impact on listeners underscore the song’s significance in Haggard’s illustrious career and in the broader landscape of country music.
Video
Lyrics
I wish a buck was still silver
And it was back when country was strong
Back before Elvis and before Viet Nam 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?
Are we rollin’ down hill like a snowball headed for hell
With no kind of chance for the flag or the Liberty Bell
I 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
And it was back before Nixon lied to us
All on TV
Before microwave ovens
When a girl could still cook
And still would
Is the best of the free life behind us now?
And are the good times really over for good?
Are we rollin’ down hill like a snowball headed for hell
With no kind of chance for the flag or the Liberty Bell
I wish a Ford and a Che