Do You Know?
The song “For the Good Times” was penned by Kris Kristofferson and made its debut in 1970 on his self-titled debut album. In the same year, Ray Price recorded his rendition, turning it into his fifth country #1 single, honored with the Song of the Year award by the Academy of Country Music.
In 1972, Elvis Presley recorded his own version of “For the Good Times” at Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, releasing it on his album “Elvis as Recorded at Madison Square Garden.”
Elvis’s rendition of “For the Good Times” is a poignant, slow-paced ballad that beautifully captures the melancholy of a concluded relationship. The song’s lyrics, straightforward yet profound, combined with Elvis’s emotive vocal delivery, evoke a sense of heartbreak and deep emotion.
This rendition swiftly became a fan favorite, enduring through time as one of Elvis’s most beloved songs. Various artists, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton, have covered “For the Good Times.”
Elvis’s version of the song is a timeless classic, resonating with audiences even today. It speaks to themes of love, heartache, and the poignant memories we carry from past relationships.
Here’s a concise timeline of the song’s popularity:
- 1970: Kris Kristofferson releases the original version of “For the Good Times” on his debut album.
- 1970: Ray Price’s rendition becomes a country #1 hit.
- 1972: Elvis Presley records his version at Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.
- 1973: Elvis’s rendition is released as a single, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- 1973: It becomes Elvis’s first gold single in over three years.
- 1974: Included in Elvis’s album “Good Times.”
- 1979: RCA Records releases a posthumous album of Elvis recordings, including “For the Good Times.”
- 1983: Featured on the soundtrack of the film “Tender Mercies,” starring Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek.
- 1996: Included in the soundtrack of the film “Twister.”
- 2005: Featured in the soundtrack of the film “Walk the Line,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.
“For the Good Times” remains a cherished and frequently played song on the radio, showcasing Elvis’s ability to infuse a song with both power and emotion.
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Lyrics
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 o 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 fallin’ soft against the window
And make believe you love me one more timeFor 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 meLay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body close to mine
Hear the whisper of the raindrops fallin’ soft against the window
And make believe you love me one more timeFor the good times
For the good times