Released: 2019
Riley Green’s ‘I Wish Grandpas Never Died’ is a heartfelt tribute to the good old days, filled with nostalgia and longing for simpler times. It’s a song that yearns for the comfort of tradition, family, and a slower pace of life.
Let’s dive into the lyrics. The first line, ‘I wish girls you loved never gave back diamond rings,’ speaks to the pain of broken relationships. Green is expressing a wish for love to be everlasting, just like the diamond rings that symbolize it.
‘I wish every porch had a swing’ is a nod to the relaxed, easy-going lifestyle of the South. Porch swings are a symbol of community and family, a place where folks gather to share stories and enjoy each other’s company.
When Green sings, ‘I wish kids still learned to say “sir” and “ma’am”, how to shake a hand,’ he’s expressing a longing for old-fashioned manners and respect. These phrases are a sign of politeness and courtesy, values that Green feels are being lost in modern times.
‘I wish every state had a Birmingham’ is a tribute to Green’s hometown in Alabama. Birmingham represents the Southern charm and hospitality that Green holds dear.
‘I wish everybody knew all the words to “Mama Tried”‘ refers to the classic country song by Merle Haggard. This line shows Green’s love for traditional country music and his wish for it to be more widely appreciated.
‘I wish Monday mornin’s felt just like Friday nights’ is a universal sentiment. Who wouldn’t want the work week to feel as exciting and carefree as the start of the weekend?
‘And I wish even cars had truck beds’ is a nod to the practicality and versatility of pickup trucks, a staple in rural and Southern communities. Green is expressing a wish for life to be simpler and more straightforward, just like a good old-fashioned truck.
‘And I wish the price of gas was low and cotton was high’ speaks to economic hardships. Lower gas prices would make life easier for many, while higher cotton prices would benefit farmers. It’s a wish for a more balanced and fair economy.
‘And I wish honky-tonks didn’t have no closing time’ is a wish for the good times to never end. Honky-tonks, with their live music and lively atmosphere, are a cornerstone of country culture.
‘And I wish grandpas never died’ is the song’s poignant refrain. It’s a tribute to the wisdom and love of grandparents, and a wish for their presence to be everlasting.
‘I wish Sunday’s on a creek bank would never end’ speaks to the simple pleasure of spending a lazy day by the water. It’s a wish for more moments of peace and relaxation.
‘Wish I could learn to drive again’ is a longing for the excitement and freedom of youth. Learning to drive is a rite of passage, a symbol of independence and adventure.
‘Wish the first time, seventeen, she was my everything kiss in a Chevrolet’ is a nostalgic look back at young love. It’s a wish to relive those sweet, innocent moments.
‘I wish everybody overseas was gonna make it home’ is a heartfelt wish for the safe return of soldiers. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve their country.
‘I wish country music still got played on Country radio’ is a critique of the modern country music industry. Green is expressing a wish for traditional country music to be more prominent, instead of being overshadowed by pop-influenced tracks.
‘And I wish good dogs never got grey and old’ is a wish for the loyal companionship of pets to last forever. It’s a testament to the deep bond between humans and their furry friends.
‘I wish farms never got sold’ speaks to the decline of small family farms. It’s a wish for the preservation of rural life and the values it represents.
Overall, ‘I Wish Grandpas Never Died’ is a song that resonates with anyone who longs for the past. It’s a celebration of tradition, family, and the simple pleasures of life, and a critique of the ways in which modern society has moved away from these values.
