In exploring the iconic theme song of All in the Family, “Those Were the Days,” we uncover its clever satire that often goes overlooked. Sung by Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton as Archie and Edith Bunker, the song’s nostalgic tone masks its sharp critique of outdated values.
Composer Charles Strouse and lyricist Lee Adams aimed to create a familiar, sing-along feel, reminiscent of family gatherings around the piano. Yet, the lyrics cleverly reflect a bigot’s perspective, yearning for a time that never truly existed. Lines like “Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again” serve as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the absurdity of such nostalgia, subtly mocking Archie’s worldview.
This juxtaposition—an inviting melody paired with ironic lyrics—allows the song to resonate with audiences on multiple levels, making it a brilliantly understated critique of Archie’s character and the sentiments he represents
