Are The Good Times Really Over – Merle Haggard

Introduction:

“Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)” is a reflective song by country music legend Merle Haggard, released in 1982 on his album Big City. Written during a period of economic struggle in the United States, the song expresses Haggard’s nostalgia for a simpler, more prosperous America, questioning whether the nation’s best days are in the past.

Haggard, who often spoke for the working class, lamented the changes he saw in American society. The song opens with a wish for the days when “a buck was still silver,” referencing a time before the country became embroiled in events like the Vietnam War and rapid cultural shifts triggered by figures such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Through its lyrics, Haggard touches on everything from changing family roles to the perceived decline of work ethic and national pride. The song’s memorable line about the country “rollin’ downhill like a snowball headed for hell” captures the songwriter’s sense of urgency about preserving traditional values​.

Musically, the track is a classic country piece, with Haggard’s voice set against a backdrop of steel guitar and fiddle. The simplicity of its arrangement allows the lyrics and emotional delivery to take center stage, amplifying the song’s wistful tone​. While some listeners found the song overly nostalgic, it resonated deeply with many, becoming an anthem for those longing for the past. Today, it remains a powerful reflection on societal change and continues to be part of Haggard’s enduring legacy.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Are The Good Times Really Over”

I wish a buck was still silver
It was back when the country was strong
Back before Elvis
Before the Vietnam war came along

Before 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 Bell

Wish 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 TV

Before 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 Bell

Wish 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 Bell

Let’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