About the Song

Kris Kristofferson’s “For The Good Times” emerged as one of his most enduring and heartfelt compositions, blending poignant lyrics with a soulful melody. Kristofferson recalled in an interview with the Nashville Tennessean that the melody came to him during a drive to the Gulf Coast, striking him as one of the best he had ever devised. As he drove, he began piecing together the lyrics, completing the song sometime later with his guitar in hand.

An early version of the track, performed by Bill Nash in 1968, failed to chart. However, Kristofferson’s own rendition appeared on his self-titled debut album in 1970. It was Ray Pennington, a promoter for Buckhorn Music (Kristofferson’s publishing company), who saw the song’s potential for country icon Ray Price. Pennington worked to get the demo to Price, who was performing at the Stardust Club in Odessa, Texas—a venue he cherished throughout his career.

Upon hearing the demo, Price immediately recognized its potential and recorded it in Nashville’s Columbia Studio “A” on March 16, 1970. With a full orchestra and minimal overdubbing, Price nailed the performance on the first take, a testament to his legendary skill.

Initially, Price’s label, Columbia Records, released “For The Good Times” as the B-side to “Grazin’ in Greener Pastures.” However, when pop singer Wayne Newton also released a version of the song, Columbia shifted focus to Price’s recording, which ultimately sold an astounding 11 million copies.

The song earned Price widespread acclaim, including his only Grammy Award in 1971. That same year, the Academy of Country Music honored “For The Good Times”

as Song of the Year, Single Record of the Year, and Album of the Year. With its poignant exploration of love and loss, “For The Good Times” solidified both Kristofferson and Price’s places in country music history.

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

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