Unveiling the Captivating Story of Ray Price’s Song, “For The Good Times”
Ray Price, a prominent figure in the country music scene, experienced a decade-long absence from the top of the charts. However, in 1970, his fortunes changed when he released the heartfelt ballad “For the Good Times,” written by the talented Kris Kristofferson. This soul-stirring composition not only secured the coveted #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart but also reached an impressive #11 on the Hot 100 pop chart, becoming Price’s sole foray into the pop Top 40.
The genesis of “For the Good Times” can be traced back to 1968 when Kristofferson, a pilot for offshore oil rigs, embarked on a grueling drive from Nashville to the Gulf of Mexico. Filled with disdain for the journey, Kristofferson found solace in crafting the first verse and chorus of a song depicting the final encounter between a couple on the brink of separation. Remarkably, the storyline was deeply personal, reflecting the artist’s own experiences with a former girlfriend.
In an interview with the Nashville Tennessean, conducted during the breakthrough of Ray Price’s rendition, Kristofferson shared the story behind the creation of “For the Good Times.” The melody was the initial spark of inspiration, one of the finest he had ever composed. Eager to explore its potential, Kristofferson anxiously awaited the opportunity to pick up a guitar and decipher the accompanying chords. As he continued his journey, fragments of lyrics took shape, but it took some time before he could complete the song in its entirety.
Once the composition was finished, Ray Pennington, a song promoter for Buckhorn Music (the publishing company Kristofferson wrote for), believed “For the Good Times” had the potential to resonate with Ray Price’s touring audience. Pennington reached out to Fred Foster at Monument Records, who created a demo of the song. After discovering that Price would be performing at the Stardust Club in Odessa, Texas, a venue with personal significance to him, they sent the demo his way. Price, captivated by the song, wasted no time and recorded it in Nashville upon his return. Remarkably, Price’s first take, with all the musicians present, captured the essence of the song. Minimal overdubbing was necessary, a recording approach preferred by the seasoned hit-makers of Nashville during that era.
Initially released as the “B” side of “Grazin’ in Greener Pastures,” despite Price’s conviction that “For the Good Times” would be the hit, it wasn’t until pop singer Wayne Newton also recorded the song that the label shifted its focus and actively promoted Price’s version. The result was astonishing, with an incredible 11 million copies sold.
In recognition of its remarkable success, Price earned several accolades for “For the Good Times.” He received a Grammy award for the tune in March 1971, while the Academy of Country Music honored it as both the “Song of the Year” and the “Single Record of the Year.” Additionally, the accompanying album bearing the same name earned the prestigious “Album of the Year” distinction. Billboard Magazine acknowledged five other Ray Price singles as chart-topping hits, including “Crazy Arms,” “City Lights,” “My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You,” “I Won’t Mention It Again,” and “She’s Got to Be a Saint.” However, despite these notable achievements, “For the Good Times” remains synonymous with Ray Price and is regarded as his quintessential masterpiece, signifying his transition to a smoother, more pop-oriented sound that appealed to the evolving tastes of country music fans in the mid-1960s.
As Price’s career progressed, he continued to adapt his style to cater to the changing musical landscape. In 1982, he made his final appearance on Billboard’s Top Ten list with “Diamonds In The Stars,” embracing the resurgence of traditional country sounds. Price’s ability to deliver what the public desired, regardless of the prevailing trends, stands as a testament to his versatility and enduring legacy.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to Jim Doran, former manager and booking agent for Ray Price, who provided valuable insights for this story. Serving in this role from 1991 until Price’s reduced show dates due to health concerns in 2001, Doran played an integral part in Price’s career. Despite his declining health, Price continued to perform sporadically until nearly the end of his life, giving his last concert a couple of months before succumbing to pancreatic cancer at the age of 87 on December 16, 2013.
Artist: Ray Price
Awards: Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year
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, 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 raindrops
Blowing soft against the window
And make believe you love me
One more time
For the good times
