♫ That’s What Friends Are For ♫

Posted on by under music

My internet has been down for nearly 24 hours, so I am limited as to what I can accomplish on my phone. So … I am reducing a song that, at least in my mind, never grows old. The techie is coming this morning, and I hope to have my internet back by this afternoon.

February 2019 …

As I was rolling cigarettes tonight, a name came to me: Dionne Warwick. A sometimes-overlooked talent, a beautiful lady with a beautiful voice. So, I decided tonight would be a song from Dionne Warwick, and after I finished rolling smokes, finished my Jolly Monday post, and folded a load of laundry, I sat down to decide which song it would be. I picked this one to listen to first, and at the 0:33 point, I felt tears welling behind my eyes. I have no idea why, but I knew then that I had my song.

This version is the 1985 cover version by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. This recording, billed as being by “Dionne & Friends”, was released as a charity single for AIDS research and prevention. It was a massive hit, becoming the number-one single of 1986 in the United States, and winning the Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year. It raised over $3 million for its cause.

The song was originally written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager for the 1982 movie Night Shift, where it was recorded by Rod Stewart and played over the closing credits.

Hit the full screen button, turn the volume up, and just … enjoy … feel the love …

That’s What Friends Are For
Dionne Warwick

And I never thought I’d feel this way
And as far as I’m concerned
I’m glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe, I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for

Well, you came in loving me
And now there’s so much more I see
And so by the way
I thank you

Oh and then for the times when we’re apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
The words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember

Keep smiling and keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That’s what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
Cause I tell you, that’s what friends are for
Whoa, good times and the bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for

Songwriters: Burt F Bacharach / Carole Bayer Sager
That’s What Friends Are For lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc

13 thoughts on “♫ That’s What Friends Are For ♫”

  2. Thank you for sharing!!…. 🙂

    “Portrait of a Friend”

    I can’t give solutions to all of life’s problems, doubts,
    or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will
    search for answers.

    I can’t change your past with all it’s heartache and pain,
    nor the future with its untold stories.
    But I can be there now when you need me to care.

    I can’t keep your feet from stumbling.
    I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.
    Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
    Yet I can share in your laughter.

    Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
    I can only support you, encourage you,
    and help you when you ask.

    I can’t prevent you from falling away from friendship,
    from your values, from me.
    I can only think of you, talk to you and wait for you.

    I can’t give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
    But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
    room to be yourself.

    I can’t keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
    But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
    and put them back in place.

    I can’t tell you who you are or who you will be
    I can only love you and be your friend
    (Adam Clarke)

    Until we meet again..
    There are good ships and there a wood ships
    The ships that sail the sea,
    But the best ships are friendships
    And may they always be!
    (Irish Saying)

    Liked by 1 person

    • That is such a beautiful poem about friendship!!! I love it! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Dutch! And as always, thank you for the lovely Irish Saying. Until we meet again, my friend!

      Like

      • Jill, it’s entirely MY pleasure as it gets me to listen to ‘old loves’ – which I don’t do otherwise, and everything is somehow always linked to experiences of my former life….. I’m a ‘baroque musician’ and HH and I both make music and sing (normally, not now!) in ‘serious’ choirs, so every moment of jazz, or Rock-n-Roll etc, sweet and time-honoring songs give me truly great joy.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Awwww … I’m so glad, Kiki! I had no idea you were a musician! Hopefully, you will be back to making music and bringing smiles to peoples’ faces before long! Hugs!

          Like

Comments are closed.