Danny O'Keefe - Goodtime Charlie's Got the Blues - Live at McCabe's

Danny O'Keefe Live at McCabe's 5-25-12
Goodtime Charlie's Got the Blues
(Danny O'Keefe)
Everybody's gone away
Said they're movin' to LA
Not a soul I know around
Everybody's leavin' town
Some caught a freight, some caught a train
Find the sunshine leave the rain
The said this town'll waste your time
Guess they're right it's wastin' mine
Some got to win
Some got to lose
Goodtime Charlie's Got the Blues
Y'know my heart kept tellin' me
You're not a kid at thirty-three
Play around you'll lose your wife
Play too long you'll lose your life
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
Goodtime Charlie's Got the Blues
© ©1970 Burdette Music, Inc. / Cotillion Music, Inc.(BMI)

[@francesmcnamar2349]

I knew Danny when he was writing this. He was seeing my roommate. Great song.

[@josephwoodard2230]

Sweet memories of life.

[@hudentdw2]

Lord, I love this song for a long time

[@charlescarney2857]

Danny O'Keefe is a national treasure. Singer, songwriter, humanitarian.

[@just2muchfunfun]

Agreed. This song has such feeling. With things the way they are now. This song hits hard.

[@SuperC888]

@@just2muchfunfun Agree 💯and things are worse today than they were nine months ago!

[@tomsortore8301]

What a beautiful soul so thankful for discovering you in 1973 and have followed you ever sence!! My heart and soul are bigger and brighter because of you. Thanks my beautiful soul brother

[@rstevenhanson]

I'm kinda pissed that today was the first time I heard of this guy and this song. Better late than never.

[@31Alden]

A masterpiece: Then and Now.

[@SnehanBorn]

Danny, your music has seen me through the roughest, toughest and the very best times of my life for nearly 5 decades now. I love you deeply, friend

[@artbeau]

We grew up in a good time.

[@johnjarou2357]

artbeau you bet we did!

[@sulatlalaki]

Amen

[@Rj-yr1br]

Yes we did god if there were a time machine I'd go back any time

[@paulwheeler5594]

Priceless

[@letitrest4662]

There's brilliance in simplicity. When a song touches the depths of your soul, there's no coming back. Thank you so much Danny....

[@janman55]

And that folks is how it's done. One man, one guitar, and a great song.

[@letitrest4662]

A timeless song. I've been hearing it for years, and still won't change the channel when it come on. It says, American folk rock to me.....

[@passtobar8650]

This song takes me back to the 70’s, out of high school and going to college. My mind was in a wanderlust though about going to New Mexico. Crazy time.

[@helendower7892]

Thanks so much, Mr. O'Keefe, for this graceful and heart-breaking song. So glad that you're still singing it for us.

[@trafyknits9222]

This is one of the most memorable, poignant songs ever. I grew up listening to this beautifully simple, potent song and have never stopped loving it. Thanks for writing this one, sir. It's a classic.

[@thomasrichmond2413]

This song was on top 40 radio fall of ‘72 when I was 13. It left an indelible impression on my young soul. There were so many great songs on that AM radio: Superstition, The First Time ( ever I saw your face ), it never rains in Southern California, and many more.

[@heartlightd6783]

Thank you Mr. Okeefe!! Life is better cause your in it to play and sing......

[@gregorysullivan7175]

God Damn he brings that home. A big play. Thanks.

[@salvatoreferranto5807]

Played this song 50 years ago and still playing it in 2020

[@roscoeborn2251]

More heart achingly beautiful with age. The song and the voice.

[@johnniejenkins9557]

Masterpiece.... 40 years and still going, got the vinyl, yea this is music you never forget

[@prussian5770]

I had a wonderful Charlie when this song came out. Been many years and still love him and this beautiful song❤

[@someguyinohio7297]

Danny O'Keefe's "Good Time Charlie's Got the Blue's" is a modern masterpiece. Thanks Danny.

[@richardcole786]

Brilliant song writer. Not enough recognition in my humble opinion.

[@marfie53]

I’ve seen all kinds of performers, but Danny is about the finest I’ve had the pleasure to watch and listen to. The lyrics, the guitar and the presence of the man are inspirational. Come back to Australia Danny.

[@marfie53]

This man is the consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist.

[@joepetrosky3411]

Absolutely beautiful by the maestro

[@ut1004bp]

This song is a masterpiece, and the reason so many try there hand at it

[@aneyesky]

70's melancholy perfection wow

[@aladent]

A rainy day and evening here in Minneapolis. This song came to mind. What a great live version this is!!

[@Baci302]

Wow, Danny's pipes sound great. And the pickin' had me grinnin'

[@EclecticHillbilly]

Lots of people have done this song but the melancholy of Danny O'Keefe is hard to match.

[@shaynekeefer9424]

I agree...but the closest i've heard is by Chris Robinson Brotherhood. a Fantastic cover!

[@dunebillyofswanbeach4294]

@@shaynekeefer9424Thanks for the tip. There are always more great cover versions to discover.

[@paulwheeler5594]

Unmatchable.

[@d.markdetrixhe3367]

Thanks for writing this, Mr O'Keefe. This song has helped me through some rough times and I think that it's cool so many people have seen fit to record it.

[@atahulpa3584]

I've been performing this beautiful song for many years now .. and it never gets old .. / Thanks Danny /

[@bluefm7370]

Wonderful to see this performance, much love❤ Danny boy❤

[@kolbpilot]

I think many of have the blues even more now. We're that much older.

[@brockseelbach5975]

In Seattle in the early 70's it was so depressed there were signs that read "The last person to leave town Turn out the lights" Danny was living in Seattle at that time...go figure! What beautiful music!

[@contentinternational]

My personal favorite to listen to, is music

[@loboblue5441]

Love this song since childhood

[@RandallBeggs]

what a performance of this timeless song. like all great music, it brings healing. thanks Danny

[@AUNTELOISE]

the writer always sing hes songs with a heart

[@sylviacrouch8073]

😩😩😩😩still 45 years later this song can still bring tears to me eyes. Watching relatives enlist in the military. Watching friends leave 😢

[@douglasstudeman5137]

Back in 1978 I first heard this song while partying at KFAT Radio I Gilroy CA Them I Joined the Army?

[@bill713b]

This song is also one of my best friends, Danny. Although I was born in 1956, I still believe that I have known it from the cradle. So many legends, like you, have cut your song, but NONE can put it out there like you. It is hard to imitate the master sculptor.

[@sylviacrouch8073]

Me too friend

[@emjee]

I think this just may be the best version I've ever heard!!

[@endlevelboss4798]

Danny O'Keefe is one of the greats. Met him live and he's a very nice fellow as well. REDUX is one of my favorite albums.

[@jimgutierrez7774]

Firstime I heard this song I knew it would fallow me forever it's good

[@johnjarou2357]

this guy deserved so much more credit than he got.

[@grahameakagromkelly7278]

Soundtrack to my life and times when it was accurate. Love the song and respect the musician.

[@fliegeroh]

Hey Danny, I've always loved this song since I was in my early 20's. Now I'm 70 and I have come to feel that the "Town" is "Youth" and the fact that some people have trouble "leaving it" behind. And they suffer for it.

[@kolbpilot]

Interesting .

[@charlesschlumberger6482]

Danny O'Keefe is an incredible writer/composer and musician - and a remarkable life story.

[@shannonpuckett9378]

Man, what a voice. Truly awesome singing and guitar playing.✝️

[@nicholaswolstencroft9263]

When I play for my personal friends I ask for requests and every time first two songs they ask for is goodtime charlie and the road. All of em hate country but love those songs

[@zentherapist1]

We aged and the song kept its beauty and yearning. This is really a lovely short story.

[@DJL0455]

Heard this song today for the first time in over 35 years. Loved it then... loved it today...

[@ScottyWig]

One of those songs that just stays right there in my memory, so great, it's got to be by Danny too, , , his voice, great performance here, that Larrivee guitar sounds wonderful and his fingerstyle playing is nice. I play guitar and tried to learn this by ear and boy did I ever have it wrong, , , gonna have to study up to this video now!

[@greghall51]

Perfection.

[@fredlinne]

Beautiful song Danny...

[@tomcoryell]

It may be unrecognized by some just how good a guitar player you have to be to accompany yourself at this level. Serious triple threat stuff here.

[@artwilmeth6944]

This song and Danny have only gotten better with age

[@fearthetube]

Pretty darn amazing!

[@Greenwings701]

A classic piece of writing.

[@admarnp]

God bless you, Danny

[@TedhamPorterhouse1]

WHat a fine picking and what a fine songwriting, Danny

[@mmonroe8253]

When I first heard this song, 33 seemed so far off 65 now Where's the time gone I love this song...

[@allenkennedy6748]

When Danny’s time comes, he’s getting in on a breeze.

[@jeffyost8080]

Beautifully put sir"...

[@fridgeonwheels5622]

Let's hope it takes a while

[@sgregg1000]

Thank you...it's good to hear Danny again.. beautiful.

[@theworkshed1253]

So simple so lovely

[@MrMusicguyma]

Great cinematic songwriting, nice light voice, great picking, one of my favorites. I'll cop Danny's picking when i sing it.

[@kuladeeluxe]

Beautiful

[@virginiaquesada9575]

First time I heard this song I felt such sadness. Hearing it again I felt compassion. I think guys that fool around feel this song sooner or later too. Maturity does that to you. A life learned song I enjoy hearing as a woman.

[@kerrytepper9211]

Fantastic!

[@Redlandian]

I’ve attached so many memories to this song…

[@1Phoebus]

was there that night....miss McCabes...now am living in Arkansas....

[@joelsimms4636]

A friend of mine had a band in the 70s that covered this song. Great song!! Had to listen!!

[@keykiyox]

This song when it comes to the chorus, I practically feel a breeze touching my pale cheek and I get chilly in an euphoria. There is no other song that gives me the feel I feel, so this is one of the most important songs in my life.

[@debraarnold3703]

This song. Takes me back.

[@ABCGUITAR]

Still got it! All ya need right here!

[@Northyorkspaul]

Fantastic

[@bradpertner1035]

Saw him play this at the Sisters Folk Festival Oregon. So great...

[@suryclind]

..one of my favorite songs..& everybody covered it, but Dnny sings it best I think

[@bradpertner1035]

@@suryclind Love the original. But somehow I lean here...

[@timbermannh]

Mistake in the posted lyrics... Such a great song. Still hits home after all these years.

[@texxmw]

It seems that when the songwriter is left to himself and just a guitar...its magic.

[@stevenhanson6057]

Fifties morphed into sixties with the roadside treasures, we sometimes ponder the glint of sunlight

[@snowdropper5879]

God almighty this song moves me

[@miketungate]

Just amazing.

[@kiddshellac]

"Hope ya had a good night.. I had a good one.. forgotten lyrics.. and missed licks.. and all" the quintessential O'Keefe - gotta love this guy!

[@sonofabeachent]

beautiful timeless song.

[@joepalooka2145]

Danny O'Keefe's is the definitive version of this song as far as I'm concerned, considering how so many great artists have recorded it.

[@angellagreen4500]

Great feeling from this song.* Danny sings it like its favorite.

[@mikeparker3982]

Like most songs, the originals like here, are the best! Danny still sounds great. Great guitar as well.

[@paulogren5245]

Thanks, Danny. Started playing again a couple years ago. Added this song to my set list. Thanks for showing us how you play it! Keep playing...

[@ahumanjustbeing2466]

I fkg love this song Dan!!

[@RobSinclaire]

Thank you so very much! Wonderffffullll!

[@dannyhemphill7618]

Priceless performance !

[@ericellquist7007]

I loved this song first time I heard it on AM radio, years ago. Still do... Wonder if I can find "Magdalena" here.

[@hijklmn2742]

I’m a old Japanese. I translated these lyrics a long time ago. I thought that the word "blues" in the last phrase must contain not just melancholy, but also the meaning of the blues of music. I felt the pride of Hillbilly. Translation mistake? But I still think so now.

[@1Phoebus]

It was a great show...hadn't seen Danny (in person) since he first came down to L.A. inthe mid-late '60's....we met at a recording studio he was working on an album (remember those)...^/^

[@markjohnson1260]

Basic chords with hard finger picking, country soulful vocals. This guy is the real deal alright ! The last hit song to come from American Sound Studio, with the Memphis Boys.

[@melodymakermark]

Mark Johnson...I just watched Reggie Young's True Tone interview and he mentioned this tune. Great interview if you want to go down memory lane about the Memphis boys, although it was sad to see Reggie looking so frail.

[@markjohnson1260]

Just watched it, listened to every single word he had to say. Thanks for the heads up on that, great stuff.

[@bencobb84]

mark johnson he must have square deal in writing royalties. Otherwise he’d be bitter like many are. There were some screw jobs in that era (Jim Croce)

[@faststratjo2006]

@@melodymakermark Comments like these are one of the great things about the internet and KZbin. I'm watching Reggie Young's Truetone interview now.

[@ANIGHTWING]

Don't get better than this :)

[@prgirl60]

Perfection

[@CruisinDude]

Fantastic! Thanks for posting