Born on 28th January 1929 in Pensford, Somerset, christened Bernard Stanley Bilk, he has been one of the world's best known clarinettists since the late 1950s. His trademark goatee, bowler hat, and striped waistcoat are almost as recognisable as his breathy, vibrato-rich, middle-register clarinet style. Although playing mainly jazz in Dixieland and trad styles, he became famous for his 1961 hit "Stranger on the Shore", with which he became mainly associated in the public mind.
sadly this delightful man died 2nd November 2014, aged 85. Will be missed.
For The Good Times
Acker Bilk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Acker Bilk’s “For the Good Times” is a melancholic song that speaks about acceptance and moving on from a relationship that has ended. The opening lines of the song, “Don’t look so sad, I know it’s over, but life goes on and this old world will keep on turning,” highlight the acceptance of the situation and convey the message that life will move on no matter the outcome. The second line, “Let’s just be glad we had some time to spend together, there’s no need to watch the bridges that were burning,” emphasizes the importance of cherishing the memories and experiences that were shared in the past and not dwelling on the negative aspects of the relationship that led to its demise.
The chorus of the song, “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,” emphasizes the yearning for a time when things were better and the desire to relive those moments, even if only in one’s imagination. The third stanza, “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,” highlights the idea of moving on from the relationship, but also offers a sense of unconditional support and the promise to be there when needed.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't look so sad
Please don’t wear a sorrowful expression
I know it's over
I understand that everything between us has ended
But life goes on
However, existence persists
And this old world will keep on turning
This aged planet will continue revolving
Let's just be glad
Let us purely take pleasure in
We had some time to spend together
The duration we had, was worth being with each other
There's no need to watch the bridges
Ruminating over past, to overcome any fault or error is unnecessary
That were burning
Those issues we had that burnt down the relationship
Lay your head upon my pillow
Rest your head on my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body
Embrace me with warmth and softness of love
Close to mine
Next to me
Hear the whisper of the rain drops
Listen to the suggestive sound of raindrops
Blowing soft against the window
Playfully striking the window with breeze
And make believe you love me
Convince yourself to believe that you still love me
One more time
For one last moment
For the good times
To remember and cherish the happy moments we spent together
I'll get along
I’ll be fine
You'll find another
You’ll find someone else
And I'll be here
But I’ll always be here for you
If you should find you ever need me
If you ever need me, don’t hesitate to ask
Don't say a word about tomorrow
Don’t bring up the future
Or forever
Don’t talk about forever either
There'll be time enough for sadness
There’s no need for grief now
When you leave me
We can worry about that when it actually happens
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Kristoffer Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leonnygren9394
there will never be another Acker Bilk....I miss him everyday, but his recordings live on...thank you
@jirkapik
Thank You. I have same thought. I listen his clarinet sixty eyars (from school days from 1958). G.B.
@KrystynaJ
Unforgettable Acker Bilk. Beautiful visuals. Wonderful creation.
@jirkapik
Thank You Krystyna.
@GizmetDora
Beautiful song --- written by Kris Kristofferson --- who knew?!! Acker Bilk's interpretation is flawless (as usual). Your accompanying video is great and so apropos. Kudos to you George!
@jirkapik
Thank You very much.
@elzbietakaminska1123
Jednym słowem ...piękne ....
@laurettabrydon5462
This is like traveling the world while still in my bubble ,I am enjoying it all thank you and God bless you for sharing.
@jirkapik
Thank You very much.
@ElzbietaZycinskaliza
Przepiękny utwór ,dziękuję Acker Bilt To relax I radość że słuchania cudownego wykonania Intrpretacja fantastyczna.Dziekuje.