“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“For The Good Times,” originally penned by the legendary Kris Kristofferson, takes on a whole new depth when performed as a duet by Kristofferson and Tanya Tucker in 1982. This version of the song is a poignant, reflective ballad that captures the essence of both heartache and gratitude, a rare combination that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever had to say goodbye. With each note, it’s as if they’re holding on to every last moment, making this version a heartfelt tribute to the fleeting beauty of love.
The song itself speaks to a universal experience: that delicate balance between letting go and cherishing what once was. The lyrics, “Don’t look so sad, I know it’s over,” cut straight to the core, acknowledging the end of a relationship without bitterness. Instead, it’s about honoring what was shared — the laughter, the closeness, and the love that’s now become a memory. You can almost feel the tension between wanting to hold on and needing to move forward. And that’s the magic of “For The Good Times”: it’s not a breakup song in the traditional sense; it’s more of a love letter to what’s passed, with a hope that both people can look back fondly.
When Kris Kristofferson and Tanya Tucker come together on this track, the interplay of their voices adds layers of emotion. Kristofferson’s gravelly tone brings a sense of world-weary wisdom, while Tucker’s soulful, powerful voice brings vulnerability and passion. It’s almost as if they’re two sides of the same coin — the resigned acceptance and the lingering tenderness that refuse to completely let go. Listening to them is like eavesdropping on a private conversation between two people who understand each other perfectly, even in silence.
The arrangement is beautifully understated, allowing the lyrics and the vocals to take center stage. There’s a gentle, almost lullaby-like quality to the melody, which contrasts with the weight of the words. Each verse flows like a sigh, building to a bittersweet crescendo that leaves you feeling a sense of longing, but also a strange kind of peace. It’s a song that makes you want to pause and reflect, to let it wash over you and remind you of your own “good times.”
Ultimately, “For The Good Times” is a reminder that not all love stories end with a bang. Sometimes, they simply fade away, leaving behind memories that are both beautiful and painful. Kristofferson and Tucker capture this nuance so perfectly that the song becomes more than just a duet — it’s a masterclass in storytelling through music. It speaks to the soul, making you feel both the sorrow and the gratitude of a love that, though over, was undeniably real.
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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