Introduction:
Ray Price’s 1970 country ballad, “For the Good Times”, holds a special place in the hearts of country music fans. While the song itself was released in 1970, it was written a few years earlier by songwriter Kris Kristofferson. Kristofferson, a rising star in the country music scene at the time, had yet to achieve widespread recognition. Recognizing the song’s potential, producer Don Law took “For the Good Times” to Ray Price, a seasoned country music artist known for his smooth baritone voice and his signature blend of traditional country with honky-tonk elements.
Ray Price, already a successful artist with a string of hits to his name, was hesitant to record a song written by a relatively unknown songwriter. However, after hearing “For the Good Times” , Price changed his mind. The song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics resonated with him, and he knew it had the potential to connect with audiences.
“For the Good Times” was released in 1970 on Price’s album of the same name. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It stayed on the charts for an impressive 23 weeks, solidifying its place as a country classic. “For the Good Times” earned Price a Grammy nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1971, and it has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to capture the bittersweet emotions of nostalgia. “For the Good Times” looks back on a past love with a mixture of fondness and regret. The narrator reflects on the happy memories of the relationship while acknowledging its inevitable end. The simple yet evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has faded, but whose memories continue to hold a powerful emotional charge.
Ray Price’s delivery of “For the Good Times” is a masterclass in country singing. His voice, rich with emotion, conveys the heartache and tenderness inherent in the lyrics. The song’s backing instrumentation, featuring a simple acoustic guitar and steel guitar accompaniment, perfectly complements Price’s vocals and underscores the song’s moody atmosphere.
“For the Good Times” is more than just a country song; it’s a universal anthem for anyone who has ever looked back on a lost love. The song’s simple yet powerful message of cherishing happy memories continues to resonate with listeners across generations, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in the country music canon.
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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 to watch the bridges
That were burning
Lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body
Close to mine
Hear the whisper of the rain drops
Blowing soft against the window
And 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
Lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body
Close to mine
Hear the whisper of the rain drops
Blowing soft against the window
And make believe you love me
One more time
For the good times