About the song
“For the Good Times,” penned by Kris Kristofferson, stands as a poignant testament to the enduring power of country and soul music. Originally written during a reflective journey from Nashville to the Gulf of Mexico in 1968, the song captures the essence of heartache and nostalgia with a raw honesty that resonates across generations.
The journey of this timeless ballad began with its initial recording by Bill Nash in 1968, though it gained widespread acclaim through Kris Kristofferson’s own rendition on his debut album in 1970. However, it was Ray Price’s soulful interpretation that truly catapulted “For the Good Times” to iconic status. Recorded in Nashville’s Columbia Studio A with orchestral accompaniment, Price’s version soared to the top of the country and western charts in June 1970, marking his first chart-topping single in over a decade.
The song’s lyrics, rooted in Kristofferson’s personal experiences, paint a vivid picture of love lost and the bittersweet acceptance that follows. Steve Sullivan, a noted scholar of popular music, aptly describes its emotional depth, noting how it captures “sadness, acceptance, and longing” in a profound manner.
The impact of “For the Good Times” transcends its original rendition. It became a staple in the repertoire of soul legend Al Green during the 1970s, featured prominently on his acclaimed album “I’m Still in Love with You” in 1972. Perry Como’s rendition also garnered significant success, reaching the upper echelons of the UK and Irish singles charts in 1973.
Beyond its chart success, “For the Good Times” garnered critical acclaim and accolades. At the 1971 Academy of Country Music awards, it earned both “Song of the Year” for Kristofferson and “Single of the Year” for Price, solidifying its place in the annals of music history. Rolling Stone later recognized Price’s recording as one of the “40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time,” underscoring its enduring emotional impact.
The song’s universality is further underscored by its use in various cultural contexts, including television commercials and sporting events, demonstrating its ability to evoke deep emotions and connect with audiences across diverse settings.
In essence, “For the Good Times” remains a timeless testament to Kris Kristofferson’s songwriting prowess and Ray Price’s emotive musical delivery. Its ability to evoke profound emotions of loss, reflection, and acceptance ensures its place as a classic in both country and popular music, continuing to resonate with listeners around the world.
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Lyrics
Don’t look so sad
I know it’s over
But life goes on
And this world keeps on turning, yeah
Let’s just be glad
We have this time to spend together
There is no need
To watch the bridges that we’re burning
Lay your head (lay your head)
On my pillow, sweet baby
Hold your warm (and tender body) and tender body
Close to mine
Hear the whisper of the raindrops
Blowin’ softly against my window
Oh, late at night
(Make believe) make believe you love me
(Make believe) one more time
For the good times
For the good times
I’ll get along
And I’m sure you’ll find another
But baby, please remember
I’ll be here (I’ll be here)
I’m gonna stay right here
And if you should ever find you need me, yeah
Don’t say a word about tomorrow
Ahh, forever and ever and ever and ever
There’ll be time enough for severance, when you leave me
Ehehehehe
For the good times, oh yeah
For the good times
Lay your head (lay your head)
On my pillow
Oh, this is one time girl (one time)
Hold your warm (and tender body) and tender body
Close to mine ehehehehe
Oh baby, won’t you
Hear that whisper, hear that whisper
Of the raindrops, of the raindrops
Blowin’ softly, softly
Against my window
All ya gotta do is (make believe), all ya gotta do is
Make believe you love me (make believe)
One more time, for me baby
For the good times (hey baby)
For the good times
And here’s what you ought to do
Lay your head on my pillow
I just wanna
(Hold your warm) hold your warm, hold your warm
(And tender body) and tender body
(Close to mine) close to mine