Good Time Charlie
Bobby “Blue” Bland Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hey, everybody, let's have some fun
You only live but once
And when you're dead you're done

So let the good times roll
Let the good times roll
I don't care if you're young or old
Get together, let the good times roll

Don't sit there mumblin', talkin' trash
If you wanna have some fun
You gotta spend some cash

So let the good times roll
Let the good times roll
I don't care if you're young or old
Go out and get together, let the good times roll

Don't sit there mumblin', talkin' trash
If you wanna have a ball
You better spend some cash

So let the good times roll
Let the good times roll
Yeah, I don't care if you're young or old
Go out and get together, let the good times roll

Hey Mister Landlord, lock up all the doors
When the police comes around
Just tell them that the joint is closed

And let the good times roll
Let the good times roll
I don't care if you're young or old
Get up and get together and let the good times roll

Hey everybody, tell everybody
That B.B. and Bob is in town
I got a dollar and a quarter
And I'm just rarin' theclown
But don't let nobody play me cheap
I got fifty cents more that I'm gonna keep

I don't care if you're young or old
Let's get together and let the good times roll

Let them roll, let them roll
Let them roll, let them roll, let them roll, baby
Let them roll all night long, let them roll all night long, let them roll all night long
Let them roll all night long
Let them roll, let them roll
Let them roll, let them roll all night long
Let them, can I hear it one more time, everybody
Let them roll, let them roll all night long
Let them roll all night long, let them roll all night long

Oh shit
Oh shit

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bobby "Blue" Bland's song "Good Time Charlie" exude a spirit of embracing life to the fullest and savoring the joys it offers. The opening verse sets the tone, encouraging everyone to have fun because life is short and once you're gone, it's over. It's a reminder to seize the moment and make the most of the time we have.

The repeated refrain, "Let the good times roll," serves as a mantra that emphasizes the central theme of the song. It encourages people of all ages to come together and enjoy life's pleasures without discrimination. Whether young or old, the song encourages everyone to let loose and embrace the good times.

The verse also critiques those who sit idle or complain without taking action. It suggests that to truly have fun, you need to be willing to spend money and invest in the experience. The song creates a sense of urgency, urging listeners not to waste opportunities and to actively participate in the enjoyment of life.

The reference to the landlord locking up the doors when the police come around adds a slight rebellious element to the lyrics. It hints at the idea of breaking rules and embracing the spirit of freedom and rebellion that comes with having a good time. It suggests that when restrictions come, one should find ways to enjoy life regardless.

The final verse introduces B.B. and Bob as characters in town, ready to have a good time despite their limited funds. It emphasizes not allowing anyone to take advantage of them and the determination to maintain a sense of enjoyment even when resources are scarce. The repeated exclamation of "Oh shit" at the end adds a touch of raw energy and excitement, showcasing the unfiltered, lively nature of the song. Overall, "Good Time Charlie" encourages everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, to unite and embrace the good times that life has to offer, even in the face of challenges.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey, everybody, let's have some fun
Come on, everyone, let's enjoy ourselves

You only live but once
We only have one life

And when you're dead you're done
Once we're gone, it's over

So let the good times roll
Let's embrace the enjoyable moments

I don't care if you're young or old
Age doesn't matter

Get together, let the good times roll
Come together and celebrate

Don't sit there mumblin', talkin' trash
Don't complain or speak negatively

If you wanna have some fun
If you want to enjoy yourself

You gotta spend some cash
You need to spend some money

Hey Mister Landlord, lock up all the doors
Hey, landlord, close all the doors

When the police comes around
If the police show up