Introduction
“Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues” is a song written and originally performed by Danny O’Keefe. Initially recorded by O’Keefe in 1967 but not released, it was later recorded by The Bards and released in 1968 as the b-side to “Tunesmith.” The Bards were a band from Moses Lake, Washington. O’Keefe recorded the song for his self-titled debut album in 1971, and in the following year, he re-recorded it with a slower, more downbeat arrangement for his second album, “O’Keefe.”
The second version of the song was released as a single and achieved success, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, number 5 on the adult contemporary chart, and number 63 on the country chart. The song has been recorded by numerous artists, including a version by Leon Russell in 1984, which peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Additionally, Mel Tormé recorded the song, specifically for a 1986 episode of NBC’s Night Court titled “Leon, We Hardly Knew Ye.”
Video
Lyrics
Everybody’s gone away
Said they’re movin to L.A.
There’s not a soul I know around
Everybody’s leavin’ townSome caught a freight, some caught a plane
Found the sunshine in the rain
They said this town’s will waste their time
I guess they’re right, it’s wasting mineSome gotta win, some gotta lose
Good time Charlie’s got the blues
Good time Charlie’s got the bluesYou know my heart keeps tellin’ me
You’re not a kid at thirty-three
Play around you’ll lose your wife
You play it too long you’ll lose your lifeSome 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 bluesSome 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