Albums followed, however, the first single became a hard act to follow and Jim moved into recording with other artists from Stevie Wonder to England Dan and John Ford Coley.
Jim was one of the featured background vocalists on the John Travolta / Olivia Newton John movie soundtrack to the film 'Grease', in 1978
Good Times
Jim Gilstrap Lyrics
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Good times, any time you need a friend!
Good times, any time you're out from under!
not getting hassled, not getting hustled
Keepin' your head above water!
Making a wave when you can!
Easy credit rip-offs - good times!
Scratchin' and survivin' - good times!
Hangin' in a chow line - good times!
Ain't we lucky we got 'em? good times!
The song "Good Times" by Jim Gilstrap is about finding joy and happiness despite challenges and hardships. The lyrics emphasize how people can appreciate the good times, regardless of the circumstances around them. The repeated line "Good times, any time" suggests that these moments of joy can happen at any point, regardless of external factors such as money, friendships, or social status. It suggests that happiness is a state of mind and can be found in the small moments of life.
The lyrics also touch upon some of the difficulties that people face, such as temporary layoffs, easy credit rip-offs, scratching and surviving, and lining up for food. These challenges serve to highlight the tenacity of the human spirit to keep going, even when things get tough. By keeping their heads above water and making waves when they can, people can still find moments of joy in their lives.
Overall, the song is a celebration of the human spirit and the ability to find happiness even in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Good times, any time you meet a payment!
Life is good when you have enough money to pay your bills and debts on time.
Good times, any time you need a friend!
Having a good support system of friends who are always there for you in times of need is truly priceless.
Good times, any time you're out from under!
When you are finally free from a difficult situation that has been weighing you down, life automatically becomes better.
Not getting hassled, not getting hustled
When you are able to avoid shady deals and people who might try to take advantage of you, stress levels inevitably decrease.
Keepin' your head above water!
This line refers to the idea of staying afloat, both literally and metaphorically. Essentially, when you are not drowning, you are doing alright.
Making a wave when you can!
Even in tough times, it's important to try and make the most of situations by being proactive and making the situation better where possible.
Temporary layoffs - good times!
While layoffs are never all too pleasant of an experience, sometimes the short-term break from work can be a welcome reprieve from the daily grind.
Easy credit rip-offs - good times!
While getting caught up in too much debt with high interest rates is never good, this line sarcastically suggests there may be a fleeting sense of freedom in living beyond your means.
Scratchin' and survivin' - good times!
This line refers to the idea of just barely getting by, but still holding on and surviving despite the odds. Essentially, it's a way of expressing the strength in persevering through tough times.
Hangin' in a chow line - good times!
While waiting in a soup line might not sound like a fun experience, this line highlights the idea of finding joy and happiness in the small things, even when times are tough.
Ain't we lucky we got 'em? good times!
Despite the difficulties and hardships of life, it's important to still feel gratitude for the good things we do have. This line suggests that, even in tough times, there are always still reasons to feel grateful.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dave Grusin, Marilyn Bergman, Alan Bergman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheMarcboi
One of the best shows of 70’s television which taught so many to look past skin color and see the people. 💯🏆❤️
@crushsatan
True, although I think it took for shows like What’s Happening to come along before they were actually really funny.
@mariemarquez2480
Still watch this to this day. One of my favorites it comes up the '70s
@moetimski9767
Thank you for including the outro! Perfect. Jammin
@michele8083
❤
@drtroyturner7464
Crazy that Jim's singing voice closely resembles John/James Sr's speaking voice.
@subg8858
When I was a kid I imagined the cast was singing this