Western Song: Grandpa
Grandpa was a 1986 country ballad Jamie O’Hara wrote and first recorded by the famous country music duo, The Judds. They recorded the song in May 1985 and released it as the second single on their album, Rockin’ with Rhythm. Grandpa became The Judds’ sixth number one hit, spending 20 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. It also paved the way for the duo to win Grammy Awards in the Vocal Group/Country Duo category. Moreover, writer O’Hara won in the Country Songwriting Category in 1987. Consequently, “Grandpa” joins the Top 100 Western songs of all time after members of the Western Writers of America selected it.
About the Song
“Grandpa” left a massive impact in the country music field, resonating in the fans’ hearts even after years of release.
The calm country ballad tells about the downfall and abandonment of traditional values, the frantic lifestyle of the present time, and how progress doesn’t always yield a positive result. Additionally, the narrator expressed mournful doubt and disgruntlement of how she could no longer experience the past occurrences of traditional values in her lifetime. These values include long-lasting marriage vows, responsible fatherhood, the presence of personal integrity, and how right and wrong were once well-defined.
Popular Recordings
Like most Western songs, many artists have covered the country ballad and some of those were as follows:
- Philomena Begley
- Tex Robinson & Saltcaster Bullwashers
- Danielle Bradbery
- Melinda Schneider & Beccy Cole
Listen to Grandpa (The Judds Version)
Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ol’ Days) Lyrics
[Instrumental] 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 or wrong Didn't seem so hazy. (Did) lovers really fall in love to stay Stand beside each other come what may (Was a) promise really somethin' people kept, Not just somethin' they would say (Did) families really bow their heads to pray (Did) Daddies really never go away Whoa oh Grandpa, Tell me 'bout the good old days. [Instrumental] Grandpa Everything is changin' fast. We call it progress, But I just don't know. And Grandpa wander back into the past, Then paint me a picture of long ago. (Did) lovers really fall in love to stay Stand beside each other come what may (Was a) promise really somethin' people kept, Not just somethin' they would say and then forget (Did) families really bow their heads to pray (Did) Daddies really never go away Whoa oh Grandpa, Tell me 'bout the good old days. Whoa oh Grandpa, Tell me 'bout the good old days. [Instrumental / Humming] (Did) families really bow their heads to pray (Did) Daddies really never go away...
