I’m in a rather deep, dark rabbit hole tonight. If you’ve read my morning post, you’ll understand part of it. So, I decided it was time to treat myself to some Stevie Wonder, the man who can ALWAYS make me feel a bit better. And when I was searching the archives for a Stevie song, I came upon this one that has not one, but four of my all-time favourite artists: Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Elton John, and Gladys Knight. And the theme … the lyrics … just the perfect thing to help bring me out of this funk! And just as happened four years ago, it brought a smile, but strangely tears, too. Perhaps that was what I needed …
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
Filosofa's Word 
Just because I like what I said in 2019, I thought I would redux my comment from the original post too.
“Great choice, Jill. Even though we may or may not have many friends in our real lives, here on Word Press we have found groups of like minded people from all over the world who have come to be or are becoming close friends in ways we cannot do in our own realities. Yup, a super good choice. Thank you. There is still hope for humanity, and for life.” (Slightly altered.)
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Thanks, rg. What you say is so true, perhaps even more so now than it was in 2019, as the pandemic has made us all more reclusive. The bulk of my friends are here on my blog, my blogging family as I think of you all. LuL
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Good songs are always great for blowing up the mind, Jill! Now i have to read your previous posting, to see what had put you down. xx Michael
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That’s for sure, Michael! The smiles didn’t last long, so I listened to the song again later, and yet again today! xx
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks, Michael!!!
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Sorry, never liked this in any version: too schmaltzy for me. Good to see Reg in his ‘prat in a hat’ days though 😊
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I’m not surprised, but it was what I needed last night. I’m glad you at least enjoyed seeing Elton (Reg???) and his hat! 😊
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Nothing wrong with that – music can help us however we need it. Sir Elton Hercules John was actually born as plain old Reginald Kenneth Dwight. I guess he went for a better stage name 😊
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Ahhhh … I knew that, but had forgotten it and it didn’t ring a bell when you called him that … I tell you, I’m getting old and forgetful! Yeah, ‘Reginald’ sounds rather stiff, snooty! I like Elton much better!
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I think he does too, though he does have an album called ‘Reg Strikes Back.’ ‘Hercules’ was a track on his ‘Honky Chateau’ album.
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I didn’t know that! I’ll have to check it out!
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Sending a gentle hug. I haven’t read your morning post yet, so that’s where I’m heading now 🤗
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Awwww … thanks so much, Sweet Bee. I definitely need it! 🤗
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Pingback: ♫ That’s What Friends Are For ♫ (Redux) — Filosofa’s Word | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News
Many, many years ago, I recorded this song for my best friend’s 30th birthday.
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Awesome! I imagine that brought a huge smile to her face!
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It was a big surprise to say the least 😃
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I can only imagine!
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