Introduction
There’s a certain magic in hearing David James and Daniel O’Donnell blend their voices in “Don’t Take The Goodtimes For Granted”, a heartfelt country ballad released in 2021. This song, written by Shunie Crampsey, feels like a fireside chat between two generations, urging listeners to pause and savor life’s fleeting joys. For those who’ve lived long enough to know how quickly time slips away, this duet offers a gentle reminder wrapped in warm melodies and thoughtful lyrics. As a music enthusiast, I’m struck by how this track captures the wisdom of hindsight, delivered with the kind of sincerity that resonates deeply with older audiences who treasure music as a vessel for reflection.
“Don’t Take The Goodtimes For Granted” unfolds as a conversation between a younger man, voiced by David James, and an older one, brought to life by Daniel O’Donnell. The lyrics weave a narrative of gratitude, with lines like “I met with an old friend last evening / And I mentioned concerns that I had” setting a reflective tone. Daniel’s seasoned perspective responds, advising not to overlook life’s simple blessings—family, friends, or a quiet moment of peace. For listeners with years of experience, this hits home. It’s a nod to the truth that life’s most precious gifts often go unnoticed until they’re memories. The song’s message, especially poignant after the challenges of recent years, feels like a call to hold tight to what matters most.
The vocal interplay between David and Daniel is the song’s heart. At just 22 when the track was recorded, David brings a vibrant energy, his Donegal roots shining through in a voice that’s both powerful and earnest. Daniel, a legend in Irish folk and country, adds gravitas, his smooth tenor carrying the weight of someone who’s seen life’s ups and downs. Their harmony feels natural, like a mentor guiding a protégé, and it’s easy to imagine them singing this on a porch somewhere in Ireland, the Donegal hills in the distance. For an older audience, this dynamic mirrors the passing of wisdom across generations, a theme that’s both comforting and universal.
Musically, “Don’t Take The Goodtimes For Granted” is a masterclass in restraint. The arrangement, produced by Jonathan Owens, leans on acoustic guitar, soft percussion, and hints of fiddle, staying true to classic country roots. It’s never showy, letting the storytelling take center stage. The tempo, relaxed yet steady, invites listeners to settle in and reflect, much like a long drive through familiar countryside. For those who grew up with artists like Jim Reeves or George Jones, this sound feels like home, evoking the golden era of country music when lyrics carried life lessons.
Shot in Ireland at places like Spier’s Bar and The Rusty Mackerel, the song’s music video adds a visual layer of nostalgia, with scenes of friends laughing and landscapes that feel timeless. For refined listeners, it’s a reminder of music’s power to connect us to place and memory. David James, already a rising star with hits like “Donegal Doll”, and Daniel O’Donnell, a household name, make this duet a bridge between past and future, offering a song that’s as much about living well as it is about singing well.