About the song
Among their most beloved and enduring hits, a track that truly stands the test of time, is “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days)”. Released in January 1986, this song quickly became an anthem for intergenerational connection, a poignant reflection on the wisdom passed down from elders, and a gentle yearning for a simpler time. It’s a song that speaks directly to the heart of anyone who has ever sat at the feet of a grandparent, soaking in stories of a world that felt both familiar and wonderfully distant.
What makes “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days)” resonate so profoundly with a more mature audience is its universal theme of nostalgia and the invaluable role that older generations play in connecting us to our past. The lyrics are not just a wistful look back; they’re a direct appeal, a heartfelt request for knowledge and perspective. “Did families really stick together, Dad, through thick and thin?” Wynonna asks, echoing a question many of us have pondered. It taps into that inherent human desire to understand our roots, to learn from the experiences of those who came before us, and to appreciate the values that might seem to be slipping away in the rush of modern life. The gentle, acoustic arrangement, combined with The Judds’ impeccable, tender harmonies, creates an atmosphere that feels like a quiet evening on a front porch, sharing memories and wisdom. It’s a beautiful tribute to the enduring strength of family and the importance of remembering where we come from, a sentiment that only deepens in meaning with each passing year.
Video
Lyrics
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
Did lovers really fall in love to stay
And stand beside each other, come what may?
Was a promise really something people kept
Not just something they would say
Did families really bow their heads to pray?
Did daddies really never go away?
Whoa, whoa, grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
Grandpa, everything is changing fast
We call it progress, but I just don’t know
And grandpa, let’s wander back into the past
Then paint me the picture of long ago
Did lovers really fall in love to stay
And stand beside each other, come what may?
Was a promise really something people kept
Not just something they would say and then forget
Did families really bow their heads to pray?
Did daddies really never go away?
Whoa, whoa, grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
Whoa, whoa, grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
Mm
Mm
Did families really bow their heads to pray?
Did daddies really never go away?
