About the song
“For the Good Times” is a timeless classic written by Kris Kristofferson, one of the most revered songwriters of the 20th century. The song was first recorded by Ray Price in 1970 and quickly became a massive hit, solidifying its place in country music history. While Kris Kristofferson wrote the song, it was Ray Price’s soulful and poignant delivery that brought it to the attention of a wider audience, helping it to become one of the most beloved country ballads of all time.
The song captures the bittersweet emotions of love, loss, and the longing for what once was. It tells the story of a man who, despite knowing that his relationship is ending, chooses to cherish the final moments he has with his partner. Rather than focusing on the pain of the separation, the lyrics emphasize the importance of remembering the good times they shared together. This theme of appreciating the past, even as the future seems uncertain, resonates deeply with listeners, making the song a comforting anthem for those who have experienced heartbreak.
Kris Kristofferson’s songwriting is often lauded for its raw honesty and emotional depth, and “For the Good Times” is a prime example of his ability to tap into the complexities of human relationships. The simplicity of the lyrics, combined with the gentle melody, allows the message of the song to shine through, making it accessible and relatable to a wide audience. The line “Let’s just be glad we had some time to spend together” is a particularly poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of happiness and the importance of treasuring the moments that bring us joy.
Ray Price’s recording of “For the Good Times” was a major success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It earned Price a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, further cementing the song’s legacy. Over the years, “For the Good Times” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, each bringing their unique interpretation to the song while preserving its core message of love and loss.
“For the Good Times” remains one of Kris Kristofferson’s most enduring contributions to the world of music. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke powerful emotions and provide solace to those going through difficult times. Whether heard in its original form or through one of the many cover versions, the song continues to touch the hearts of listeners, reminding them of the beauty in cherishing the memories of the past, even as they face an uncertain future.
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Lyrics
One, two
One, two, three, go
Don’t look so sad, I know it’s over
But life goes on and this old world will keep on turning
Let’s just be glad we had some time to spend together
There’s no need to watch the bridges that we’re burning
Lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body close to mine
Hear the whisper of the raindrops falling soft against the window
Make believe you love me one more time
For the good times
I’ll get along, you’ll find another
And I’ll be here if you should find you ever need me
Don’t say a word about tomorrow or forever
There’ll be time enough for sadness when you leave me
Just lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body close to mine
Hear the whisper of the raindrops falling soft against the window
Make believe you love me one more time
For the good times
For the good times
Good
Wanna hear it?
Good, fairer and different
Fair
It’s on Charlie’s part