Good Time Charlie
O'Keefe Danny Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Everybody's goin' away
Said they're movin' to LA
There's not a soul I know around
Everybody's leavin' town
Some caught a freight, some caught a plane
Find the sunshine, leave the rain
They said this town's a waste of time
I guess they're right, it's wastin' mine

Some gotta win, some gotta lose
Good time Charlie's got the blues
Good time Charlie's got the blues
Ya know my heart keeps tellin' me
"You're not a kid at thirty-three"
"Ya play around, ya lose your wife"
"Ya play too long, you lose your life"
I got my pills to ease the pain
Can't find a thing to ease the rain
I'd love to try and settle down
But everybody's leavin' town
Some gotta win, some gotta lose
Good time Charlie's got the blues
Good time Charlie's got the blues

Good time Charlie's got the blues
(whistling to end)

Overall Meaning

In Danny O'Keefe's song Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues, the singer laments about how everyone in his town is leaving to go to Los Angeles, except for him. He talks about how his heart tells him he's not a kid anymore and that he needs to settle down, but he doesn't know how to do that. He's been playing around and now he's lost his wife; he's afraid that if he keeps playing, he'll lose his life too. The singer admits that he tries to ease his pain with pills but can't seem to find anything to ease the rain. He wants to settle down, but with everyone leaving town, he doesn't know where to turn.

This song is filled with emotion and introspection. The singer is going through a tough time and is trying to figure out how to move forward. The line "some gotta win, some gotta lose" is a nod to the fact that not everyone will come out on top. The whistling at the end of the song adds a final note of melancholy, cementing the sadness of the entire piece.

Line by Line Meaning

Everybody's goin' away
Everyone is leaving this town

Said they're movin' to LA
They said they are moving to Los Angeles

There's not a soul I know around
I don't know anyone here anymore

Everybody's leavin' town
Everyone is leaving this town

Some caught a freight, some caught a plane
Some left by train, some left by plane

Find the sunshine, leave the rain
They left to find a better life somewhere else

They said this town's a waste of time
They said this town is not worth staying in

I guess they're right, it's wastin' mine
I think they are right, this town is wasting my time too

Some gotta win, some gotta lose
Some people succeed, some people fail

Good time Charlie's got the blues
Despite having a good time in the past, Charlie is now depressed

Ya know my heart keeps tellin' me
I keep hearing from within that

"You're not a kid at thirty-three"
"You are not as young as you used to be at age 33"

"Ya play around, ya lose your wife"
"If you continue to flirt with other women, you'll lose your wife"

"Ya play too long, you lose your life"
"If you keep fooling around, you'll ruin your life"

I got my pills to ease the pain
I have medication to ease my emotional pain

Can't find a thing to ease the rain
I can't find anything to stop my sadness

I'd love to try and settle down
I would like to try and find stability

But everybody's leavin' town
But everyone is leaving this town

Some gotta win, some gotta lose
Some people succeed, some people fail

Good time Charlie's got the blues
Despite having a good time in the past, Charlie is now depressed

(whistling to end)
Instrumental outro

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Danny O'Keefe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

leegenix

2y↑7

Im a musician and play several instruments. I love this song. I did some research and learned it was a huge hit that covered the top charts in many categories. Country, Easy Listening, Soul, Contemporary, R&B, and Jazz.
Musically, it has a good balance of instruments that were well performed by gifted musicians. I barely missed the Draft and can some how relate to those that went and served. Signed up for the navy but didnt swear in and waited for the draft. But didnt get called.

The anxiety caused me and girlfriend to break off the engagement.

I heard this song in 1972 when it was cold and rainy. Its very haunting, sad, but very soothing to listen to.
Its one of those songs that touches many lives. Thats a very rare event.

Comedy and Tragedy. Thats Life. (Sigh)

All comments from YouTube:

Mark Larrimore

7y↑1.4K

Ah the memories. You know you are getting old when you listen to these great old songs with tears in your eyes.

The Vanilla Godzilla

6y↑35

AWSHUTUP, man... hm? NOOOOO! I ain't cryin'... Just got sumthin' in.... uh both my eyes some allergy shit-thingOKOK.... yeah... I - I - was cryin' ... but only just a bit snif They're gone. All gone dammit... ah yup whew. ok. Needed that...

John Jarou

6y↑17

yeah mark. your right. damn, I love this song.

Herb Hofer

6y↑9

I hear you!!

Space Trucker

6y↑29

Born in /55, My eyes are always in tears lately!

Billy Walkabout

6y↑7

Mark Larrimore You Are So Right My Friend .

72 More Replies...

Jody Lehman

2y↑102

I always did love this song!!! We come from a generation of DAMN GOOD MUSIC!!!! THANK YOU DANNY FOR THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES. YOU SHOULD OF WON AN AWARD FOR THIS ONE!!!!

ann hathaway

2y↑9

Yes, we did come from a generation of great music! Oh, the memories...

1 More Replies...

Halad49

5y↑1.4K

I remember hearing this in 1973 when I was 23 years old. "You''er not a kid at 33..." 33 sounded so far in the future. That was 46 years ago, 69 years old now. Time, oh time, where did you go...

Tony Jenkins

5y↑21

Halad49 unreal how fast time goes

steven 182

5y↑33

I was 27 when that song was out. I am now 73 years old. I would like to thank the lovely ladies that were part of my life especially Renee.

prakis1958

5y↑60

I'm gonna turn 61 next month. Yeah, it's tough to get old but at least we grew up in the era of great music. I worry about where this world is heading.

Tom Dale

5y↑16

i'm 67 Danny's wife at the time work with a good friend of mine, in Seattle

Vinnie Bozzuto

4y↑48

I was 22 years old, just married, bought the 45, still have the 45, and still have the girl😊💞

115 More Replies...

GoodTime_Charley

6y↑466

I listen to this song when I’m feeling low. My dad showed me this song when I hit 32 years old. I traveled the country all my life, I played music for a living, I sold motorcycle parts all around the country, I gave up some good women and I never quite grew up. Then I got back home and everyone was older and moved on with their lives. I was 32 with only a lifetimes worth of stories and realized it was time to settle down. I come back to this song whenever I makes mistakes and become depressed over the faults in my life. Today is one of those days. Life is tough on the ones with loving souls. I beat myself up daily over the people I’ve wronged and the life I once lived. The high’s were like mountain tops but the lows were like deepest depth of the oceans. I’m older now and things have changed but I still have my moments. All I can say is that some days this goodtime Charlie gets the blues

rickkoleyahoocom

4y↑28

Details are different, but me, along with many others feel the same. "Life is tough on the ones with loving souls" , is a really good line. Beating myself up is something I try hard to reserve for certain times, otherwise your robing others of what you can offer today. Im still making mistakes right and left and despite it all Ive been blessed with so much and try to focus on how truly grateful I am . Then the guilt starts... but thats another story haha ( lol for the youngsters).

Daniel Delaney

4y↑23

you just wrote my life too

Mike Nelson

4y↑28

Cage free, I read your post, and it was scary. when I read it, I thought that maybe I had written it sometime before, and forgot it. You and I had lives that mirrored each other. We are the same age, and I was a road musician for several years. I heard this song for the first time one night after I had got off work, and was driving to the next gig, and the feelings that you described are identical to mine....So many mistakes, and the people that I have wronged.....The highs, the lows...the pills. Everything about this post. I'm an old man now and sometimes the life that I lived still comes back to haunt me.

AncestralBliss

4y↑28

'Life is tough on the ones with loving souls.' ... 🌷 So true.

Nick Urech

4y↑15

Some songs like this one are so full of truth in every way possible. Not just the lyrics . Perfection never gets old. Larry hit the nail on the head with this one.

38 More Replies...

daXmusiX

2y↑209

This pierces the soul. A masterpiece, haunting and gorgeous. Every time I hear it, I am swept away into some Netherland of introspection and emotions.
This song on the radio stopped my world from spinning when I was 12 years old in 1972. Begged my mom to buy it, and then I listened to it 30 times in a row in my room.
To this day, I can never listen to it just once. The plaintive voice, the lyrics, the slide steel guitar, the organ, the harmonica, the brush drum, the whistling. Everything is perfect.
Seriously, songs like this thoughtful masterpiece are simply not made anymore. You have to have the soul and the genius to do this.

Bill Hobbie

2y↑9

Well said.

pauline chapman

2y↑10

Totally agree..we hear about things..that never get old ..this song fits the category..wish it held for people..am old and never get used to it..🇨🇦

Paul Kelleher

2y↑7

Very well put. Couldnt agree more.

Stricknyne1

2y↑6

Love this comment!

Philip Angelo

1y↑2

Great description of the song and how I was affected by it. It really hit all my friends, we were twenty five then.

9 More Replies...

Stricknyne1

2y↑69

I have always loved this song. Reading the comment section is deeply touching. Many very beautiful perspectives, and heartfelt experiences. All expressed way better than I ever could. It's nice to know there are so many kindred spirits out there.

Cynthia Chatman

11y↑141

I was 13 years old when this song first came out in 1972. Growing up in a African American household my mother was a great fan of country music. My sisters and I heard a lot of country music as well and R&B. This was one of my favorite back then. Thanks for the memories.

Afi Scruggs

2y↑7

I loved this song and I am African American. I grew up in Nashville when country music and RnB reigned. This song talked to me then. It still talks to me as grow older.

Lee Shepherd

48w↑2

This song is Country, Soul and Blues all rolled into one great song..!!

Thomas Comiskey

44w↑1

I'm a European American and I agree !!!

Mary Shrewsbury

2y↑32

Played this song for my dad all the time, he loved to sing along to it, it’s been a year tomorrow. Still listening to this song and missing you dad. Love you always, best dad ever. ❤️🙏😔✝️

Teri Lara

5y↑229

I feel fortunate that I grow up listening to songs like this.

123Bosniak

Just wash these sheets, I'll buy some clean sheets. Just fuckin trust me.

F Garrett

3y↑1

Yes.

Mr B

3y↑1

Yup

Saulo Rodrigues

1y↑1

Me too!!

Terri Castleberry

43w

Me too. Those were my high school days. Loved this song back then, love it now.

C J

2y↑108

This song was huge in the summer of '72. Every time I hear it I think of me and a good friend, driving around trying to pick up girls, in his Chevy Nova SS. Simpler times, but better times, as most people still had a great sense of decency, and a good moral compass in their souls.

thegreenbird

2y↑6

They used to play this song on Inks lake in '72..I was just a kid of 13...

91Bear

2y↑7

And then they grew old and voted for Trump.

C J

2y↑10

@91Bear Yea, you're right. Men were men, women were women, etc... back then.

Philip Angelo

1y↑5

It sure seems like people had more soul then and were more colorful and friendly.

Jan Rambo

1y↑3

So true

7 More Replies...

Alfred Martinangelo

2y↑5

Great voice Great lyrics.

Judith May

4y↑390

This song was one my Dad played a lot after he and Mom divorced.I lost him last year, and I finally found this song. I miss him so much. Dad, I hope you lost those blues.

jp

4y↑13

May you feel the love your dad had for you. That never dies.

Cynthia Bustamante

4y↑4

My condolences.

steveeolio

3y↑4

may he rip judith

Frank Roth

3y↑2

Hi Judith, what a terrible feeling to lose someone you love, the hurt is so deep, it can make you feel so alone, but Judith you're not alone and even strangers care about you and your feelings and the difficult time that you're going through. I hope time has eased the pain to some degree.

Evan jon Lechuga

3y↑3

Condolences amigo, great song glad you found it to keep his memory! Have had a rough time with my family and this song has helped me figure out my priorities! Cheers

13 More Replies...

Mak B

8y↑410

My grandpa passed away this morning. I've been trying for three weeks to find this song. I remember riding in the car with him while he sang this song.

red wolfe

8y↑10

+Makayla Bailey You are in my prayers Makayla. Grandpa is in a very happy place, looking down and is very proud of you.

Sky Pilot

8y↑11

+Makayla Bailey Sorry to hear about your grandpa. I'm sure all the great memories you had with him came back running through your heart and head when you hear this song. Keep those memories always and he will always be with you when you play this song and he will be always listening...Peace and Love...

Mak B

8y↑5

red wolfe thank you sooooo much, it really means a lot ❤

Mak B

8y↑6

Sky Pilot that truly brought a tear to my eyes. I miss him so much & think about him every day. Still doesn't feel like he's gone but this song will always mean the world to me. Thank you so so so much ❤❤

Sky Pilot

8y↑5

You are so welcome Makayla, this is also one of my favorite songs truly describes my life in such a way that it scares me...lol...But your grandpa will always smile when you play this song and think of all the great times you and he had together...Peace and Love...

9 More Replies...

Glen McGregor

2y↑20

"My heart tells me I'm not a kid at 33". Nope sure not. I'm 75. Carol always laughs when Danny sings that line. We've been married 57 years. Been listening to Danny a good part of that time. Been a dream the whole 57 years and we'll never wake up. This song and Danny never get old.

Dave Morris

2y↑28

I was 10 when I first heard this song. My uncle and I were on the deck overlooking Los Angeles, the sun had just gone below the horizon, and this song came on the radio. He made me stop and listen to the lyrics and I have to say, it's one of those moments I'll never forget. The feeling I got, the smell of the air, the sound of Danny's voice. Special song.

beth demars

1y↑9

Amazing. A song you haven't heard for for over a decade....and you remember all the words, and the smell of the place where you listened to it on the juke box. Thank you.

NatashaNogoodnik

3y↑10

One of the world's saddest songs. A real classic.

Derps

7y↑4

Such a superb song. From the lyrics, to the vocals, to the musician ship, to the message. They really just don't make songs like this anymore.

Jeff Seal

13y↑116

I was 10 years old when this song came out. My dad owned a vending machine company...pool tables, pinball machines, and jukeboxes. We had an old Seeburg jukebox in our garage and I'd play this song over and over.... Brings back alot of good memories.

WellShit

50w↑2

My dad used to sing this to me when I couldn't sleep, I recently remembered it and almost cried while listening to it

Blake Elliott

4y↑7

This song, man... What an incredible piece of music. He did this so much justice.

Joseph Leiper

3y↑19

Hearing this again after years quickly passed. Lyrics too true. That wobbling steel note...
O'Keefe's songs covered by many artists. Hope he's getting sound royalties, and enjoys his older age. Hope we all do.

Brandon Minikwu

5y↑6

This song is freaking beautiful.

David Robinson

1y↑8

I'm almost twice 33, and although I have known this song all my life, it's just become such a favourite. Can't wait to share it around my playing friends. Thank you, Danny O'Keefe!

Sam smith

10y↑246

i was thirty-three, drinking in a bar three thousand miles from my newly broken up wife and family, when, with a pocket full of pills barely sustaining me, i first heard this song---it still hits me like a ton of bricks forty plus years later.

Joseph Garcia

6y↑14

So Sam , how are You doing now?

Cloud Dweller

6y↑10

women will leave

gregory sullivan

5y↑8

Pocket Full of Pills. Sounds like song.

john Crane

5y↑3

Did you ever fix your life

Charlotte Skiftun

4y↑1

Hugs

2 More Replies...

Michael Bruns

1y↑14

Strikes so deeply, this emotionally shattering and forever relevant song is definitely maybe the best one hit wonder song like ever made.

Theresa Conroy

1y↑1

Nicely put ... couldn't agree more.

Michael Bruns

1y↑2

@Theresa Conroy thanx.

jaydrfish

2y↑4

Thanks for putting this great song out there. It was one of the first songs I learned on the guitar, nearly 50 years ago. Just heard it live in a bar last night, and it took me right back to 1972!
You did a fine job on this one, Danny.

Julee Cormier

7y↑46

This was on the jukebox at a local hangout and I played it every chance I had. The 70's had the best music whether pop, country or soul. Songs like this just take you back.

john gault

2y↑1

Yep - the 70's, new technology, but not too much, so the music sounded real. This was an exceptional piece of music.

FunkyDPL

2y↑10

I was a kid when this came out, but once I was old enough to understand it, it helped me understand what some "grown-ups" were going through back then. I am just glad I was able to hear the best music on the radio growing up.

cunn9305

43w↑1

I was 6 years old when this was released. Calm, peaceful memories of back then .. many thanks Danny

Bill Johnson

8y↑3.4K

Just back from Vietnam and looking for a good time at the local club. I was "Charlie" and I had the blues! The four piece band was playing country music and everyone was dancing as I walked in. I ordered a drink and looked around,....then in a dim lit corner, I saw two ladies sitting and talking. Without hesitation, I walked over and asked the two if they would mind if I sat with them. Much to my delight they both accepted. The band had a request to play this song. As they began, I asked the petite blonde lady if she would dance with me and she accepted. I had seen the night life in Saigon, Bangkok and a few other places but being back home made me feel special. That was in 1973 and I still dance with her......you see, after courting her for several years we married and after 40 years, we still laugh about how we met. She said that she wasn't looking for a romance but I didn't give her a chance to no.

daniel benz

8y↑82

+Bill Johnson What a great story

simlondon

8y↑52

+Bill Johnson lovely story

Matthew Martin

8y↑77

+Bill Johnson I have lived in Seoul, South Korea for 12 years. I've also visited Bangkok several times and spent a month in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Hearing your story, I can simply nod with respect as I'm also married to a wonderful Korean woman. Wherever we find that love, we are the most fortunate men to walk the Earth. In kindred spirit brother...happy travels, Charlie.

Ronz Bronz

8y↑37

+Bill Johnson Love that memory and story Bro...I'm turning 65 soon and relate directly and indirectly...Thank sor sharing and your Service!!

Dave Nicholas

8y↑27

Great story, and thank you for your service...

346 More Replies...

Bill Hobbie

2y↑21

Tears in my eyes as I listen to this masterpiece.

R.P. McMurphy

me too

The Brother J.

2y↑25

This has got to be one of the most beautiful song I ever heard in my life. And this is my first time hearing it at the age of 48. My my my. And I’m a down home blues soul brother.

Cyndie Roy

2y↑1

Check out Marcus Kings version of this song. Fantastic!

FunkyDPL

2y↑3

I'm a white dude who is as immersed in classic soul and R&B as I am tunes like this. Great music knows no boundaries!

The Brother J.

@FunkyDPL Amen to that

pauline chapman

2y↑1

Never top late for ..good time Charlie..to get the blues..🇨🇦

Shadow Band

2y↑1

46. Same.

3 More Replies...

John Norton

1y↑7

I was 13 when this came out and it got me immediately. Some really beautiful comments, I dare say as good to read as to hear the song. Keep the faith my friends.

Mark Douglas

5y↑31

It has lost NONE of its power. Phenom song, gorgeously delivered.

Johnny Vance

2y↑4

There's a spirit about this song that gives you this relaxing feeling inside and brings back some really cool memories at the same time when I first heard this song back in like 73 or 74 I remember having tears in my eyes it hit home.

Brett Borovic

9y↑72

The breakdown at "some gotta win..." with organ and that second vocal harmony, just an awesome fleeting, ethereal musical moment. Listened to this on recommendation of my uncle today.

KD Sisco

9y↑4

+Brett Borovic I would say you're uncle is a very bright person and he likes you a lot!

Brett Borovic

9y↑3

+Kirby Sisco Thanks Kirby, I'll let him know! ;) He's a great guy with impeccable taste in music.

sejrec56

Brett Borovic , I totally agree, that's like the best part of the song, it fits so well there. Love the effect of that organ with the Leslie going..!!!

Josh Perez

7y↑1

sejrec56

Dan Bartko

Josh Perez
I'm with all of you.I always loved
the startup also.Some songs have
a way of playing like a soundtrack
of your life.All of his music seems
to be life lessons,good fortune or
down and out,yet breezy stories.

1 More Replies...

Sandy Rossow

42w

Something cathartic about this song - lifts your own blues as you listen to it. Simply magic.

Gregg Lockhart

2y↑2

Danny is truly a great!

Olschool

2y↑7

Hitching a ride from school after BB practice with no fear, leaving the house in the morning on Saturday coming home at sunset, turn on the transistor radio and listen to the best music ever the 70s. Too bad today's kids will never know what it was like.

Mike Oshea

There to busy on there phones LMAO 🤣

Josie Jones

41w

So many wonderful, sweet, melancholy, loving, thoughtful, comments from so many wonderful people, and the last line of your words are indeed true, yet poignantly sad, piercing my heart with the reality that after our generation of the 70’s, all the future generations will never understand the difference’s of the way we were, and the way society is now?!
Everything was so much better when we were young…💔
Oh to take a trip back to our good ole days…💝💯🕊

leegenix

2y↑7

Seeker After Truth

1y↑1

Dang good song. I love the arrangements and the vocals are amazing. Lyrics just wow.

Donald Penney

9y↑29

Awesome song. Have loved it since the first time I heard it.

TheBlueDogMan

1y↑2

I've always loved this song. It was performed perfectly.

David Whalen

4y↑6

I love how the song is arranged for Danny O’Keefe with the guitar effects and how the song is allowed to breath since it’s not over-produced. Simple, yet enough there to keep your interest and an exceptional hook that is haunting:) Danny sure can write em’.

percy frazier

2y↑6

You'll never know how good this sounds until you hear it on a laid back Friday evening just before sunset and nursing a JD on ice!!

Mike Oshea

All bye yourself

percy frazier

@Mike Oshea Yes, right about sunset as it is where I am right now;😉

Kirby Waite

3y↑6

This song sounds like it was recorded yesterday. His voice is spectacular.

Marion Harris

7y↑45

I love this song...i love the way Danny sings it.Brings back so many emotion,sad and good times.

dehoe disc

6y↑1

This recording just flat reaches the very innards of my soul, thanks to Danny.

Johnny Fever

THIS SONG IS SPECIAL TO ME .NOT LONG AFTER IT CAME OUT I MET A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN IN A NIGHT CLUB IN DELHI ONTARIO . SHE IS A REAL LADY IM VERY PROUD OF HER . SHE HAS THE SWEETEST HEART ❤️ IN THE WORLD . HER LOVE IS TRUE AND VERY HONEST .

Gary Moore

2y↑5

So melancholic tune superb lovely words

fredthejunkman

3y↑3

A gem from the past. Great song.

Dana Isaac

Such a lovely voice.

Linda Kalmar

2y↑2

I love this song. Everybody gets the blues.

Arabion James

1y↑7

I was approaching 10 during the summer of 73, and I remember when this song hit the air waves.
I don't know why it hit me so hard.
Perhaps it was seeing the look own my father's face.

BQ Kmg

43w↑1

Hit the airwaves the summer before (1972) not 1973.

Nash Burnette

10y↑91

One of the all-time best one-hit wonders.

Hearsticles

5y↑10

This man also wrote "The Road" which is on this very same album, a great song made into a hit by Jackson Browne. O'Keefe was a great, great writer and is sorely underappreciated.

mike penn

5y↑2

@Hearsticles And the American Dream...

Robert Scorpio

4y↑1

And Magdalena and Angel Spread Your Wings.

Buster Coins

3y↑3

There's lots of good stories posted here surrounding this song. It touched a lot of people and that's the sign of a great song.

leverage1976

3y↑3

One of the most sobering and contemplative songs ever written. Lots of these forgotten 70's masterpiece gems. I would also recommend "Shadows" and "Misty Roses" by Ron Davies, "Rainy Night In Georgia" by Tony Joe White, "Thorn Tree In The Garden" By Derek & The Dominoes, "Please Call Home" by The Allman Brothers, "The Pilgrim, Chapter 33" by Kris Kristofferson, "Please Don't Ask" and "Afterglow"(Live At Lyceum) by Genesis, and "Shame On The Moon" by Bob Seger.

GreasyFilms2016

7y↑5

Great vocal performance. Classic tune. Timeless.

Demon Rouge

3y↑2

Classic organ playing too. If you listen to the vocals you barely notice it but if you listen again and just listen for the organ parts it’s amazing.

Calvin Mercer

3y↑2

This has been a favorite song of mine since it was first played. I have found myself singing it many times through the years. So nice to hearing it again.

Merlin

10y↑8

In the "haunting melody" department, this one ranks right up there with "Summer (the first time)" by Bobby Goldsboro in my book. Fabulous work, Danny.

Barb Shelton

5y↑3

4/1/19 love this song. In your mid 50's it takes on a new meaning.

tom stoviak

3y↑2

A classic, a beautiful song, a piece of art to be appreciated whether you heard this when you were in your teens are you hearing it today thank you Danny! You killed it brother.

The Ahern Family

7y↑313

This song hits home.

lorenzo fuentes

3y↑6

same here.

joe yank

3y↑5

Does it ever

Smoking Joe

2y↑4

So your a Good Time Charlie too!

66loveit

2y↑2

This song IS home 😌💕

johnLA1961

2y↑1

More so after nearly 50 years.

1 More Replies...

Gene Hesser

1y↑4

Love this song. Don't remember when I first heard it. The lyrics hold too many truths.

Allan Bryan

9y↑46

I bought this outstanding single when I first visited the USA in 1972, I still have the original single. I will never get rid of this haunting tune...Love it.

Donna Entrican

5y↑1

I love it too

onus gumboot

The true beauty of vinyl recordings. If you put it on, it will still play. Just like the last time. Even 50 years later.

laurel johnsen

5y↑2

Lovely song indeed. One of those timeless classics.

Abrasious Productions

2y↑3

This song is so beautiful

JAMES ERWIN

2y↑2

I am so moved to tears listening to his song. Thank you for writing this. Probably saved many marriages. Maybe mine as well.

Dave Beach

3y↑4

Such an evocative song. I loved it from the first time I heard it, way back when it came out. It paints images in the mind which is what any great story song can do.

Kerry Ferris

1y↑3

The only thing bad about this song is that when its over there's nothing left to listen to that can follow it!

timothy carrigan

10y↑53

my 3rd time playin this in a row, such a very classic tune!! when i do karaoke i sing this and almost start crying cause i think of my papi and mom, they are both in heaven, into a totally different time and space, and someday i am going to see them again!! praise jesus for he is our lord above all creation!! PEACE

Nathaniel Rossi

Amen❤brother

Charlotte Skiftun

Hugs

Michael Duggan

4y↑3

This song put tears in my eyes , it always does .

Cynthia Simpson

2y↑3

A very nice mellow country song. ❣

Emmett Barrera

4y↑3

I love this music 🎶😎

Robert Glover

2y↑2

Been listening to Danny since 67.I first listened to good times Charlie in a drafting class and was hooked!! Thanks Danny!!!!!

KD Sisco

9y↑4

One of the best written and sang songs I,ve ever heard,always been a fan of Danny!

Sherri Owens

6y↑2

You don’t have to be old to listen to these old songs,good songs never die

Bill Wolfe

2y↑1

I was in high school when this hit the juke box at the local bar. There was already a sense that friends were leaving town - whether for college or just to get away. There were old timers, regulars in the bar, way past "33", that were left behind and had the blues. I often had them too, and still do. What a beautiful song!

Nelly Swede

5y↑4

LOVE this song from the 1970’s...back then...heading to Colorado from the Midwest in a Winnebago with a group of faithful friends, gone to climb the collegiate peaks. Tears still come to my eyes, brings back such great memories and treasured times! Love this!

Paul Kelleher

2y↑14

I was born in 1965 and only heard this for the first time on my 57th birthday yesterday. What an absolutely gorgeous song, its just blown me away. I can safely say one of the best songs I have ever heard. Cant stop listening to it and other Danny O'Keefe songs. All the other versions are ok but the original recording the best by some margin.

Stevos Channel

7y↑2

It's amazing when you listen how many instruments were used yet how simple and sweet this tune is...

mr. warmth

ty and im proud to be 878 months old

rob combs

7y↑662

I Loved this song when I was in my 20s....Now I am 70....still Love it; still married.......

John Jarou

7y↑3

good for you rob.

ronald weeks

7y↑7

Me too!

Tom Holden

7y↑6

GOOD LUCK, EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY

Tom Rice

7y↑6

62 years old. Still love it!

Afi Scruggs

7y↑9

Tom Rice Me too. 62 and I finally understand what he is talking about.

23 More Replies...

Leo Schneggenburger

2y↑3

I have literally grown up from a skinny teenager listening to this in the '70's to a gray haired grandfather. I play some instruments and rarely listened to the actual words, just the sound of the singing if it wasn't an instrumental. This song though I hung on to every word and I knew it would haunt me as a grew up. Teenager, then of that age and now way past it. This is sheer perfection and I don't understand why it isn't played constantly or copied like so many other songs. Another written by Danny O'keefe is The Road and I highly recommend getting acquainted with it. While you're at it, look up another 'word' song, These Days by Jackson Browne who also did The Road.

Mike Cozzi

2y↑3

🇺🇲 When I saw this album cover and heard this song, my first thought was Mr Newman! one of the best industrial arts teachers! and a very nice guy!
The 70's Rocked!
Thanks for teaching metal shop! Hope you're doing well!

Bill Elliott

2y↑6

The first time I ever heard this song was on my 33rd birthday. It was a great tune then and still is today.

joekerspokane

2y↑1

This is one of my favorites. Incredible song

Bruce Louden

4y↑2

I love these old originals. I must be gettin old cause I get all melancholy when I hear them. The memories of so much life gone by. If we remember to live, we live to remember.

rickkoleyahoocom

You said it brother

Bruce Louden

4y↑1

@rickkoleyahoocom thanks Rick. Long may your lum reek.

rickkoleyahoocom

@Bruce Louden I'll drink to that! keep it stoked

Music Man

9y↑7

Such a beautiful and poignant song!! Love this tune.

Trafy Knits

This is still a great song; so much heart and pathos. Danny should be proud of this for the rest of his life. The band that played on the record is also due huge kudos.

Joe Acord

2y↑1

One of the all time great songs of yesteryear. And my favorite one that he does.

Holger Rune Fan

5y↑2

This song has held up absolutely beautifully. I loved it as a child and love even more so many years later.

Kim Kochel

4y↑3

I love this tune. Brings me back to simpler times. Rita Wilson has a great version of this. Great tune to hear during this pandemic. 🌈🦋

Charlotte Shumate

4y↑2

One of my all time favorite songs ever! Still as great as it was when I was 20. Love great songs! Thanks Danny for Charlie! ♥️♥️♥️

Cia Lewis

9y↑8

This is such a great song. I love the world-weary way he sings it.

Rosa Nichols

3y↑2

This all time favorite hits home on so many levels.

buckgirl55

2y↑4

This one never gets old.....thank you for the memories of 1972....I was 17.

Daryl Johnson

Another song that came out in 1972 that struck similar emotions was Mac Davis' "Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me." These 2 went hand-in-hand! I was a senior in college - and had had enough crushes on guys to relate to Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me. Now I'm 71 - remember both songs well, but appreciate the quality of the music more than anything. What a golden time for music!