For the Good Times – Kris Kristofferson

“For the Good Times” is a song written by Kris Kristofferson and became widely known through Ray Price’s 1970 recording. The song captures the quiet ache of two people who know a relationship is ending but still care enough to part gently. The lyric portrays a bittersweet space where love hasn’t vanished, yet the future together is gone. Instead of anger or blame, the tone leans toward acceptance, even tenderness, as if both understand that holding on would only prolong the hurt.

One of the strongest elements is how the narrator asks for one more night of closeness, not out of denial, but as a way of honoring what they once shared. That request feels more like a farewell ritual than an attempt to rekindle something. It’s the emotional equivalent of taking one last look around a home before closing the door for the final time.

The song also reflects Kristofferson’s skill in capturing human vulnerability without overstatement. The lines come across as simple, but they carry a weight that many listeners connect with after experiencing their own quiet goodbyes. Instead of dramatic heartbreak, the mood rests in resignation, gratitude, and the delicate pain of letting go with dignity.

“For the Good Times” became one of Ray Price’s signature hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1970 and crossing over to the pop charts. Kristofferson’s own recordings of the song also gained acclaim, and the piece has since been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Al Green, and Joe Cocker, cementing it as a timeless classic in both country and pop music. The song won a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1971, highlighting its enduring impact and emotional resonance.