Vocal Recorded in Cave Creek May 30, 2026
"Good-time Charlie" is a classic cultural slang term for a fun-loving, sociable person who enjoys partying and flamboyant living, but often avoids work or responsibilities.
The phrase gained massive popularity through the 1972 hit song "Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues" by singer-songwriter Danny O'Keefe. The song describes a "good-time" guy who realizes he isn't a kid anymore, is dealing with the consequences of his partying lifestyle, and feels lonely as everyone around him leaves town.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Everybody's gone away
I believe this time they're gonna stay
There's not a soul I know around
Everybody's leavin' town
[Verse 2]
Some caught a freight, some caught a plane
Find the sunshine, leave the rain
They said this town will waste your time
I guess they're right, it's wastin' mine
[Chorus]
Some gotta win, some gotta lose
Good time Charlie's got the blues
[Verse 3]
You know my heart keeps tellin' me
You're not a kid at thirty-three
You play around, you lose your wife
You play too long, you lose your life
[Verse 4]
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
[Chorus]
Some gotta win, some gotta lose
Good time Charlie's got the blues