A Deeper Message in the Lyrics of "Those Were the Days" and Its Relevance Today

Reflecting on a time nearly half a century ago, I recollect a memory that recently resurfaced. It was a tune from a classic TV show. On January 18, 2018, the iconic theme song "Those Were the Days" from "All in the Family" came to mind. For those unfamiliar with the series, it aired on CBS for nine seasons, spanning from January 12, 1971, to April 8, 1979. The song was a duet by Archie Bunker and his wife, Edith, with her voice echoing in my thoughts. Archie Bunker played the piano while he and his wife sang this song in sync.

Puzzled by the song's sudden recall, I was surprised to learn that on the same day, a relative, who is a minister in another state, posted on Facebook about hearing Edith Bunker's "squeaky" voice singing the same song.

Upon encountering this synchronicity, I began to contemplate the possibility of a deeper divine message. Although I briefly engaged in an online discussions about it, I initially failed to fully grasp its significance, leading me to eventually dismiss it. However, on April 3, 2020, the song resurfaced, compelling me to reconsider its meaning. Despite remaining unconvinced of its relevance at the time, I once again disregarded the recurring presence of this song in my thoughts.

Fast forward to March 2024, during an unrelated search on my computer, the document I had previously written regarding this song unexpectedly resurfaced. This marked the third instance of the song reemerging, prompting me to acknowledge the need for closer attention. Presented below are some reflections I had documented concerning the lyrical content of the song.

Song – Those Were the Days (Excerpt):

"Guys like us we had it made" – referring to the middle class, highlighting the changing economic landscape where the rich are prospering while the poor are struggling.

"Did not need no welfare state" – underscoring the shift in societal norms from a time when American-made products held value to the current dominance of foreign goods, along with the outsourcing of American jobs.

"Girls were girls and men were men" - this observation speaks for itself and requires no further explanation.

"People seem to be content; fifty dollars paid the rent" – hinting at greed, societal changes towards materialism, rising housing costs, and financial disparities.

"Freaks were in the circus tent" – criticizing the acceptance of anything as normal, echoing Biblical warnings against moral relativism.

"Hair was short and skirts were long" – commenting on societal standards of appearance and modesty.

"Kate Smith sang that song" – a reference to the song "God Bless America," emphasizing the need for divine blessings on the nation.

Upon analyzing the song's lyrics, it appears to convey a message urging individuals or America to reexamine core values and seek spiritual direction, particularly in light of the forthcoming 2024 Presidential Election.

It is crucial to realize that the emphasis is not on going back, but rather on returning back to our "First Love" (Revelation 2:4).

Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_in_the_Familygaged.