Percy Faith (April 7, 1908 – February 9, 1976) was a Canadian-born bandlead… Read Full Bio ↴Percy Faith (April 7, 1908 – February 9, 1976) was a Canadian-born bandleader, orchestrator, composer and conductor, known for his lush arrangements of pop and Christmas standards. He is often credited with creating the "easy listening" or "mood music" format which became staples of American popular music in the 1950s and continued well into the 1960s. Though his professional orchestra-leading career began at the height of the swing era, Faith refined and rethought orchestration techniques, including use of large string sections, to soften and fill out the brass-dominated popular music of the 1940s.

For The Good Times
Percy Faith & His Orchestra Lyrics

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It's gonna rain any minute
There's not a star in sight
Things are mighty slow
I guess, I'll close up shop
And go home to Joe

I know he won't be glad to see me
Without a penny to the good

But I'm not carin' much what happens
I did the best I could
He's just good-for-nothin' Joe

But, oh, I love him so
Guess, I'd die if good-for-nothin' Joe
Ever tried to leave me flat
Oh yes, I'm certain of that

Folks I know can't understand
Why I must have that man
Lord, he sends me like nobody can
Ain't a woman just like that?

I wouldn't mind doin' what I'm doin'
I'd beat these streets till my feet were sore
But when it's slow and I go home to him
Instead of sympathy, he's just as mean as can be

Still there's nothin' I can do
Because I love him so
I'd be good for nothin' too, I know
Without good-for-nothin' Joe

I'd be good for nothin' too, I know

Without good-for-nothin' Joe
I'm goin' home to Joe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "For The Good Times" by Percy Faith & His Orchestra convey the story of a woman who is in an unhappy and dysfunctional relationship with a man named Joe. The opening lines suggest a sense of impending rain and darkness, symbolizing the troubles in their relationship. As she contemplates closing up shop and going home to Joe, it implies a sense of resignation and acceptance of her circumstances.

Despite knowing that Joe won't be happy to see her because she has no money, she doesn't care much about what happens. It suggests that she has done her best in the relationship, even though Joe is described as a good-for-nothing person. The repetition of "But, oh, I love him so" reinforces the conflicting emotions she feels. She acknowledges that Joe is not a reliable or supportive partner, but she still loves him deeply.

The next section explains how others may not understand her attachment to Joe and wonder why she must have him in her life. She describes how he affects her in a way that nobody else can, suggesting a certain level of emotional intensity. She questions whether all women are similarly drawn to someone who may not be good for them.

In the final verses, the singer mentions that she wouldn't mind her current work if it weren't for the fact that going home to Joe brings no sympathy or kindness. Despite the challenges, she feels trapped because of her love for him. She concludes that without Joe, she would be just as good-for-nothing as him, highlighting the complex dynamic of their relationship.

Overall, the lyrics of "For The Good Times" delve into the conflicting feelings of love and frustration in a troubled relationship, where the singer's love for Joe overrides rationality and self-worth.

For The Good TimesPercy Faith & His Orchestra Lyrics

For The Good Times
Percy Faith & His Orchestra Lyrics