In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)

Dolly Parton · My Tennessee Mountain Home

We'd get up before sun-up to get the work done up
We'd work in the fields till the sun had gone down
We've stood and we've cried as we have bristly watched
A hailstorm a' beatin' our crops to the ground
We've gone to bed hungry many nights in the past
In the good old days when times were bad
Chorus:

No amount of money could buy from me
The memories that I have of then
No amount of money could pay me
To go back and live through it again

I've seen daddy's hands break open and bleed
And I've seen him work 'til he's stiff as a board
An' I've seen momma layin' in suffer and sickness
In need of a doctor we couldn't afford
Anything at all was more than we had
In the good old days when times were bad

We've got up before and found ice on the floor
Where the wind would blow snow through the cracks in the wall
And I couldn't enjoy then, havin' a boyfriend
I had nothing decent to wear at all
So I long for a love that I never had
In the good old days when times were bad

Repeat Chorus

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In the good old days when times were bad
In the good old days when times were bad

In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)

Dolly Parton's 'In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)' stands as a poignant reflection on resilience within her extensive country catalogue. Featured on the album My Tennessee Mountain Home, the track captures Parton's signature ability to blend nostalgic storytelling with emotional depth. The song explores the complex nature of memory, suggesting that cherished past eras often held hidden hardships that only become clear in retrospect. This thematic approach aligns with Parton's broader discography, where she frequently examines the duality of rural life and personal history. Her vocal delivery on this recording emphasizes the bittersweet reality of looking back, reinforcing her status as a master of narrative songwriting. The work remains a testament to her enduring influence in country music, offering listeners a moment of introspection through her distinctive melodic style.