“Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” by The Judds
The notion that our forefathers’ generations lived more righteously than we do obviously isn’t anything new. It is actually upon such an idea that this song from the 1980s is based. More specifically, its premise revolves around the vocalist being frustrated with the lack of integrity present in the modern world.
So she goes about asking her grandpa if for instance people kept their word back in “the good old day”, and were fathers committed to their families – stuff like that. Or interpreted otherwise, she is longing to live in a place where people are more faithful, unified and religious than they currently are.
But in the here and now, as implied we rather live in a society highlighted by the likes of loose morals and absentee fathers.
“Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
Sometimes it feels like this world’s gone crazy
Grandpa, take me back to yesterday
When the line between right and wrong
Didn’t seem so hazy”
Release of “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)”
Released during January of 1985, this track is the second single released from The Judd’s sophomore studio album entitled, “Rockin’ with the Rhythm”.
On October 30 of 1985, The Judds officially released “Rockin’ with the Rhythm” through RCA Nashville Records. Four singles accompanied this record. The first of these singles, “Have Mercy”, dropped in September of 1985.
The third single, which is the title track for this project, was put out in May 1986. Its final single, “Cry Myself to Sleep”, was issued in September, the same year.
“Rockin’ with the Rhythm” achieved moderate success in the US. It peaked at #66 on the major albums’ chart there.
Credits
This single was composed by country musician Jamie O’Hara. It was produced by Brent Maher, who is noted for producing several of the duo’s songs. For example, he produced their 1984 Grammy-award winning single “Why Not Me“.
Accolades and Highlights
The track was honored at the Grammys of 1987, winning the “Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”.
It has also been awarded a Platinum certification by the RIAA.
