| Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver) | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Merle Haggard |
| Album: | Big City |
| B-Side: | I Always Get Lucky with You |
| Released: | May 15, 1982 |
| Genre: | Country |
| Length: | 4:14 |
| Label: | Epic |
| Producer: | Merle Haggard |
| Prev Title: | Big City |
| Prev Year: | 1981 |
| Next Title: | Going Where the Lonely Go |
| Next Year: | 1982 |
"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[1] and #1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.[2]
The theme of the song is the concern over irreversible moral decay. It features a wide range of references including pop culture topics such as The Beatles and Elvis; American companies like Ford, Chevy, and Coca-Cola; political topics including the Vietnam War and presidency of Richard Nixon, as well as social commentary on modern men's work ethic, and women's lack of skill and willingness to cook.