About the song
Okay, I’m ready to put on my music aficionado hat and dive deep into “For the Good Times” by Perry Como. I’ll craft an introduction suitable for a mature and sophisticated audience, aiming for a conversational yet insightful tone. Let’s see what we can come up with…
“For the Good Times” is a song that resonates with a bittersweet ache, a poignant reflection on love and loss that seems to deepen with the passage of time. Originally written and recorded by country music legend Kris Kristofferson in 1970, it has since been embraced by numerous artists across various genres, each imbuing it with their own unique interpretation. However, there’s something particularly special about Perry Como’s rendition, released in 1973 on his album “And I Love You So.”
Como, with his velvety smooth vocals and impeccable phrasing, had a knack for delivering a song straight to the heart. His voice, often described as a warm embrace on a cold night, lends itself perfectly to the melancholic beauty of “For the Good Times.” He doesn’t over-embellish or force emotion; instead, he allows the lyrics to speak for themselves, his delivery imbued with a sincerity that is both touching and profoundly moving.
The song itself is a masterpiece of simplicity. Kristofferson’s lyrics, sparse yet evocative, paint a vivid picture of a relationship nearing its end. There’s a sense of acceptance, even resignation, in the lines, “Don’t look so sad, I know it’s over / But life goes on and this old world will keep on turning.” Yet, amidst the heartbreak, there’s also a celebration of the shared moments, the “good times” that will forever remain etched in memory.
Como’s version, with its lush orchestration and gentle rhythm, further enhances the song’s emotional depth. The strings swell and recede like waves of nostalgia, while the piano chords provide a delicate counterpoint to Como’s voice. It’s a timeless arrangement that allows the song’s inherent beauty to shine through.
What truly sets Como’s interpretation apart is his ability to convey the song’s underlying sense of hope. Even in the face of parting, there’s a glimmer of optimism, a belief that love, in its various forms, endures. This is perhaps best exemplified in the closing lines, “For the good times, I’ll keep the memories / For the good times.” Como delivers these words with a gentle conviction, reminding us that even as relationships fade, the memories we cherish remain.
In a world often obsessed with fleeting moments and instant gratification, “For the Good Times” serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and memory. Perry Como’s rendition, with its timeless elegance and heartfelt sincerity, is a testament to the song’s enduring appeal and a gift to anyone who has ever loved and lost.
Video
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 we’re burning
Lay your head
Upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body
Close to mine
Hear the whisper of the raindrops
Blowing soft, across 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 raindrops
Blowing soft across the window
And make believe you love me
One more time
For the good times
For the good times.