The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
All you need to know is you've got a friend
We've been living life, right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
Baby let's cruise with the radio tunes
You know the best times come when there's nothing to do
It's rare that a player get a minute or two
So I cherish every second with a girl like you
Ain't nothing like a home girl down for the ride
Nothing like a home girl down for life
Baby be my love, you could be my Left-Eye
Be my umbrella, through the rain or shine
When I'm out of state I know you'll rep me
Ain't no other woman will accept me
A man's only true as his options
But I keep it real home girl, cause I've got you
When you feel a hand on your back, you've got a friend
When you put me on the right track, you've got a friend
When I show the love right back, you've got a friend
Damn it feels good to know I've got a friend
All you need to know is you've got a friend,
We've been living life right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
Yeah, when things get a little shaky like a can of Krylon
You need a shoulder to cry on, need someone to rely on
I want you to know when you need a friend
I'm definitely a friend you can depend on
You can depend on me
Like my name was Smokey
So when things don't seem to be going your way
And nothing seems to be going right
I want to be the man that'll brighten your day
And turn your darkness to light
I'll be around to turn your frown upside down, permanently
Because you've been a good woman to me
You deserve the best and nothing less
So the best is what you get and all my respect
What you expect
You've got my palabra
All the way 'til the end
Baby doll you've got yourself a friend
All you need to know is you've got a friend
We've been living life right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
I'll always be your player partner
In and out the hot tub, always steak and lobster,
Smoking on a chopper
Scraping through the boulevard, back to the avenue
Good vibe, attitude, I ain't even mad at you
Matter of fact that's all I feel with some gratitude
I just appreciate the time that I have with you
Now I'm in and out your life like a robbery
Got me on the road 'til I'm getting paid properly
And I can feel that you still so proud of me
And I can never get your corazon out of me
So little mama I'm a always be your handyman
So give me a call when you ready for some candyland
All you need to know is you've got a friend
We've been living life right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
All you need to know is you've got a friend
We've been living life right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
We've been living life, right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
Baby let's cruise with the radio tunes
You know the best times come when there's nothing to do
It's rare that a player get a minute or two
So I cherish every second with a girl like you
Ain't nothing like a home girl down for the ride
Nothing like a home girl down for life
Baby be my love, you could be my Left-Eye
Be my umbrella, through the rain or shine
When I'm out of state I know you'll rep me
Ain't no other woman will accept me
A man's only true as his options
But I keep it real home girl, cause I've got you
When you feel a hand on your back, you've got a friend
When you put me on the right track, you've got a friend
When I show the love right back, you've got a friend
Damn it feels good to know I've got a friend
All you need to know is you've got a friend,
We've been living life right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
Yeah, when things get a little shaky like a can of Krylon
You need a shoulder to cry on, need someone to rely on
I want you to know when you need a friend
I'm definitely a friend you can depend on
You can depend on me
Like my name was Smokey
So when things don't seem to be going your way
And nothing seems to be going right
I want to be the man that'll brighten your day
And turn your darkness to light
I'll be around to turn your frown upside down, permanently
Because you've been a good woman to me
You deserve the best and nothing less
So the best is what you get and all my respect
What you expect
You've got my palabra
All the way 'til the end
Baby doll you've got yourself a friend
All you need to know is you've got a friend
We've been living life right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
I'll always be your player partner
In and out the hot tub, always steak and lobster,
Smoking on a chopper
Scraping through the boulevard, back to the avenue
Good vibe, attitude, I ain't even mad at you
Matter of fact that's all I feel with some gratitude
I just appreciate the time that I have with you
Now I'm in and out your life like a robbery
Got me on the road 'til I'm getting paid properly
And I can feel that you still so proud of me
And I can never get your corazon out of me
So little mama I'm a always be your handyman
So give me a call when you ready for some candyland
All you need to know is you've got a friend
We've been living life right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
All you need to know is you've got a friend
We've been living life right 'til the end
If I'm troubled I know I can depend
'Cause all I need to know is I've got a friend
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You've Got a Friend Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
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