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Danny O'Keefe — Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues
Album: Danny O'Keefe
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 862









Released: 1972
Length: 2:56
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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
Comments (86)add comment
I gave this a "9", with some trepidation. There's little distinctive about the voice or tune - but, damn, it fit my life back then - and, believe it or not, my life back then was a hard act to follow for this old man now...
Posted 7 months ago by MildGeorge    [ Reply ]
Wow, this is just lovely.
Posted 7 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
This sounds like a re-recording, not the original. The guitar solo after Verse 1 is twice as long, and the rest of it also sounds different. Great tune and I remember it well from mid 70s AM radio.
Posted 1 year ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

"You're not a kid at 33."

Yes, you are.  You just don't know it yet.


  
Posted 2 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
actually released in 1972
Posted 2 years ago by BamaBroad    [ Reply ]
 admascott wrote:

A blast from the past - the release year of 2001 seems about 20 years off




If born in 1943, and Danny's singing not a kid at 33 that puts it recorded around the end of the seventies. I'd say your right. 

Posted 2 years ago by laserace    [ Reply ]
A blast from the past - the release year of 2001 seems about 20 years off
Posted 2 years ago by admascott    [ Reply ]
"You're not a kid at 33."

Yes, you are.  You just don't know it yet.
Posted 2 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 Zep wrote:

Holy crap I haven't heard this song since 1970-something ... 74 maybe? 


I've never heard this one, in fact I don't know if I've heard of Mr. O'Keefe at all, though he was born in Spokane so that's cool. 

I'm going with an initial 7 rating, which is a +1 from my normal 6, because I like the forlorn sound, and chuckled at the 'everyone's moving to LA' - boy have times changed - now everyone's moving OUT of LA.  

LLRP!!
Posted 2 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Holy crap I haven't heard this song since 1970-something ... 74 maybe? 
Posted 2 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
I thought this was Glenn Campbell for a moment.
Posted 2 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Can’t remember when I last heard this song but it was a very long time ago. Still brings back that forlorn feeling of loneliness looking to a future that is unknowable.
Posted 2 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
When I used to play for a living, this song was always in my set. Always good to hear it.
Posted 3 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
This is it! This is what I heard at the end of "Kung Fu Panda", kinda. I knew I'd heard it from somewhere.
Posted 4 years ago by triviagal    [ Reply ]
This takes me back to the days I was in a band that played in a Dallas dive bar. We played till 2 in the morning, then the party moved to a boat on a lake near by. Booze, pills, and whatever we felt at the time was appropriate.  Then Sunday evenings " Good Time Charlies got the Blues" Watching the sunset on the lake and wondering what lies ahead.  It was good times, yet depressing at the same time. Such a different life for me that I will never forget. Thank you for that memory my friend Bill.
Posted 4 years ago by dtown40    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:
Can't deal with the nasal twang...
 
5 days later, I still can't deal with this song, and yet the "Plays" counter says it hasn't been played at all in the last 30 days.. anyone else notice the counter seems off?
Posted 5 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
Can't deal with the nasal twang...
Posted 5 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 Alexandra wrote:
{#No}
 
You've got a heart of ICE m'am!
Posted 12 years ago by Steve    [ Reply ]
 MirageRF wrote:

Same here.  Man, time flies.
 
It's inconceivable that much time has passed-looked at a thousand copies of this album in '72 and now here we are in the years.
Posted 12 years ago by dew34    [ Reply ]
Really nice to hear this, love his version of it. Play Magdelena....
Posted 12 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Never got to hear that fiery organ and how sad that steel guitar sang the last time I heard this song...

But that was when my dad's '74 Ford Pinto was brand new. The AM radio only quit spitting static when I turned the key off.
Posted 12 years ago by mrsquid    [ Reply ]
 casey1024 wrote:
8 just for the nostalgia!  Wow.
 
Same here.  Man, time flies.
Posted 12 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]
8 just for the nostalgia!  Wow.
Posted 12 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
OK- Kind of commercial, but it was 1972. I will say for a fact some beautiful things were created for the world that year.

 Not talking just about music exactly.

 


Posted 12 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
 I don't usually post a long thing of lyrics, but this guy deserves it. Of course it's not the same song that Bill played, but oh well. The guy had heart.

 I don't even know for sure if he wrote this. He sure tore it up though.


     Magdalena sits in her chair speaking of the mass
She talks in splice and splinters, she laughs like breaking glass
She says that she would have me, spirit her away
Stealing all my images, till there's nothin' left to say

Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are
Your love is like a razor, my heart is just a scar
Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are

She tells me that she wants me then she tells me not to bother
She tells me that I couldn't hold a candle to her father
She knows that she's got me when I start to rave about
And she'll just smile and flash her eyes and blow the candle out

Oh, Magdalena
Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are

Magdalena lying there could make a dancer stumble
Make a preacher bite his tongue and leave him with a mumble
And if you think I'm crazy babe or that I'm funning you
Just pay your dues and lose your blues when she gets her tongue in you

Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are
Your love is like a razor, my heart is just a scar
Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are

I can't be forgotten and I can't be ignored
You find me with my poems and my songs
But if upon your journey you're turning to L. A.
Won't you take this little red-haired girl along?

Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are
Your love is like a razor, my heart is just a scar
Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are
Posted 12 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
Huh. Is Magdelana on the playlist?
Posted 12 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bil for playing this classic song !
Posted 12 years ago by divisionlane    [ Reply ]
UnbeLIEVEable. One of the classics. Remember it from days gone by. Bill, you nailed it tonight.
Posted 12 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
 ddehoyos wrote:
WOW. I used to listen to this as preteen in my mom's Mercury Comet on AM radio. Amazing how I can remember the words, not they aren't that complicated. How funny music and fragrances can trigger such strong memories.
 
Right there with you. My mom was a big fan of WHDH in its heyday, and this got played a lot. Great song. It covers a lot of emotions—regret, nostalgia, loneliness—that many people just don't want to acknowledge in their lives.  
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Wow. Something about this is magical. Going right through me. Damn!
Posted 13 years ago by shakitten    [ Reply ]
o i remember this one...{#Angel}
Posted 13 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in years. Reminds me of AM transistor radio days. The sad steel...
Posted 13 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
 hschlossberg wrote:
What a piece of country-hicky, sleepy, droaning crap.  Sure, that's how I like to spend my Friday night.  Ugh.
 

There's really not one bit of country in it....clean out your ears.
Posted 13 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
I have to bump this to a 9. I can't help but smile as I'm crying - so many memories associated with this song - good and bad. Songs like this are the ones I don't want to let go of or turn my back on, because they helped to mold me into who I am today. For good or bad.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 hschlossberg wrote:
What a piece of country-hicky, sleepy, droaning crap.  Sure, that's how I like to spend my Friday night.  Ugh.
 
Maybe you should be doing something besides listening to satellite radio on a Friday night there, shut-in.  This is more of a Monday morning kinda thing.

Posted 13 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
{#No}
Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
A classic that never gets old.
Posted 13 years ago by Andy_B    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy} What memories!

Posted 13 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
 edatwork wrote:
I have been an avid Danny fan for more years than I want to think about. Danny is more than a one hit wonder, having written tunes that many other performers have covered. Wish we could hear more than this one tune.
 

His album Day to Day is an amazing album!!!!!!!!!!!  Almost wore the vinly out.  PLEASE, Bill, play something from there....Sidewalk Symphony or Day To Day even....
Posted 13 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
I have been an avid Danny fan for more years than I want to think about. Danny is more than a one hit wonder, having written tunes that many other performers have covered. Wish we could hear more than this one tune.
Posted 13 years ago by edatwork    [ Reply ]
Wow, what a work-stopper!   Need a long neck Lone Star to go along with this song.
Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Great song, but is that a coonskin cap on ol' Danny's head?
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
Great song!  
Many thanks, Bill&Rebecca
Posted 13 years ago by KevH    [ Reply ]
This is one song that has always stayed nestled right under my heart.  Sweet, sad, melodic, and just all-around good. Thanks to whoever submitted it - and to Bill and Rebecca for playing it!
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
One of my husband's favorite songs but we rarely hear it on the radio!
Posted 13 years ago by kmandn    [ Reply ]

something different!


Posted 13 years ago by upgal    [ Reply ]
This melancholy ballad has stood the test of time.
Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
WOW. I used to listen to this as preteen in my mom's Mercury Comet on AM radio. Amazing how I can remember the words, not they aren't that complicated. How funny music and fragrances can trigger such strong memories.
Posted 14 years ago by ddehoyos    [ Reply ]
Boots, belt buckles and bells. Felt slower even tho' we were younger.
Posted 14 years ago by cmplus    [ Reply ]
I saw O'Keefe open for Jackson Browne in the mid-70s and was very impressed with his show. 

But I haven't heard this in ages. Thanks for the blast. 
Posted 14 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in a long while...Love it still. Puts me in a nice, simple place. Thanks Bill!
Posted 14 years ago by figi    [ Reply ]
 hschlossberg wrote:
What a piece of country-hicky, sleepy, droaning crap.  Sure, that's how I like to spend my Friday night.  Ugh.
 
Oddly enough, that IS how I like to spend my Friday night. Different strokes, huh?

Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Damn, I love this.
Posted 14 years ago by Photo-John    [ Reply ]
Harry Manx does a very nice cover of this song
Danny O'Keefe' version is still very clean

Posted 14 years ago by 2k1sedan    [ Reply ]
Wow... I couldn't have told you the song's artist if you'd held a gun to my head. Will have to remember to challenge the hubby with this one!
Posted 14 years ago by choffman2001    [ Reply ]
Very nice change of pace.
Posted 14 years ago by katzendogs    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
Good lord. It must have taken a monumental effort to scrub the dust off this one...
 
And so happy he did {#Roflol}

Posted 14 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]
What a piece of country-hicky, sleepy, droaning crap.  Sure, that's how I like to spend my Friday night.  Ugh.
Posted 14 years ago by hschlossberg    [ Reply ]
A really nice piece of music to slide into the mix
Posted 14 years ago by mamerjamer    [ Reply ]
Good lord. It must have taken a monumental effort to scrub the dust off this one...
Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
This guy is really a wonderful treasure from an era past.....what a difference in talent between him and "Some Say Leland"
Play anything from the album with "Magdelena" on it...eh Bill?
Posted 14 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Put my pen down and sat back. Thanks Bill.
Posted 14 years ago by cmplus    [ Reply ]
Yes!  Bombard RP with Dany O'Keeffe requests!!  One of the best, most under-rated song-writers of the past 40 years!!
Posted 14 years ago by Coffers    [ Reply ]
Like some others, I vote for more Danny O'Keefe.
Posted 14 years ago by pburns    [ Reply ]
bobby goldsboro
'.. and honey
I miss you."
Posted 14 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
 KevH wrote:
What a wonderful blast from the past.  It's been over 20 years since I put this on my turntable.  Thank you Bill, please play it and others from this collection more often.
 
Agreed, on all counts. That's some great nostalgia right there. :)

Posted 14 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
I love it... and new to me..
Posted 14 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
What a wonderful blast from the past.  It's been over 20 years since I put this on my turntable.  Thank you Bill, please play it and others from this collection more often.
Posted 14 years ago by KevH    [ Reply ]
 Essbee wrote:
Seriously?
 

My thoughts, exactly.
Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
bill, pls, pls, pls put some songs off of his Day To Day album!!  He's so much more than Good Time Charlie!!!
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

Not a cover.

edit: The song's an original. Are you talking about the album art?

I agree it's pretty hokey but hey. George Hunter was a San Francisco psych-rock original, and also did some design work:


 
Looks like Pure Prairie League too.
Maybe not quite as good...











Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
I have not heard this forgotten song for years.  It's better than I remember.  Probably the high fidelity of Radio Paradise.
Posted 15 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
 pannaramma wrote:
Corny cover, but the song is a classic
 
Not a cover.

edit: The song's an original. Are you talking about the album art?

I agree it's pretty hokey but hey. George Hunter was a San Francisco psych-rock original, and also did some design work:




Posted 15 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
This is really nice. I thought it was something new but wasn't surprised to discover that it was from the early 70s. It reminds me a lot of the good early Glen Campbell stull like "Wichita Lineman." Thanks to Bill for once again introducing me to something I didn't know about. I sure do love RP!
Posted 15 years ago by Photo-John    [ Reply ]
Corny cover, but the song is a classic
Posted 15 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
I like Dwight Yoakam's cover of this, although this quite nice. 
Posted 15 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
sure wish Bill would get more Danny O'keefe on RP!  There are so many wonderful songs besides this one big "hit" he had.  Something from Day To Day!!!!   Sidewalk Symphony!!!  {#Roflol}
Posted 15 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
Seriously?
Posted 15 years ago by Essbee    [ Reply ]
Harmonica FTL...
Posted 15 years ago by Mookada    [ Reply ]
My sister had this on a 45 and I played it over and over in the 70s.  Love that organ/harmonica coming in during the chorus.
Posted 15 years ago by helloitsme    [ Reply ]
Yes!
I voted for this on the LRC!
I'm glad it made it!

T.T.T.U. !!!
Posted 15 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Always loved this song.
Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
D O'keefe had so many other wonderful songs....this was overplayed - but still like it!  How 'bout "Day To Day" or "The Sidewalk Symphony"??

Posted 15 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
Wow, an old gem.  {#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
I always liked this guy. Especially "Magdalena"
Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are
Your love is like a razor, my heart is just a scar
Oh, Magdalena
Nothing like the saint you are


Posted 15 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
Sweet!

Posted 15 years ago by racerx    [ Reply ]