This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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 smilin', keep shinin'
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 and opened 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
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember
Oh, keep smilin' and keep shinin'
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
Oh, that's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'
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 smilin', keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
'Cause I tell you that's what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for (that's what friends are for, ya)
On me for sure (count on me for sure, count on me for sure)
That's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'
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 smilin', keep shinin'
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 and opened 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
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember
Oh, keep smilin' and keep shinin'
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
Oh, that's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'
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 smilin', keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
'Cause I tell you that's what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for (that's what friends are for, ya)
On me for sure (count on me for sure, count on me for sure)
That's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Lyrics submitted by BassGrl127
That's What Friends Are For Lyrics as written by Carole Sager Burt Bacharach
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I don't quite understand how only two people coulda put their meanings on this song. This song is like one of the ultimate classic songs for best friends.
My best friend sang this at our prom Makes me feel happy, and nastalgic, and just great
wow this is the first time i actually read the lyrics to this song..i never really listened to it cuz it doesnt really hold my attention for that long..for awhile i kinda hated the song..but my best friend gave my a mixed cd for my birthday and of course he had to put this song on it ..i used to just skip it when the song came on... but now i just might listen to it..i do hope someone remakes it so the sound will hold my attention tho..
Perception is key. I actually do have a couple amazing friends who never left my side and a family member who has my back. My circle is tight these days. My mom told me once you're lucky if you have one good friend and she was right. I like to sing this song. Reminds me of being a kid and a teen. When I grew up I had all kinds of friends but then life happens and you grow up.
I put my foot in my mouth damn it but I was serious. Okay my last song. It's cheesy but reminds me of being a kid and I like to listen to it when I'm sad.:)
I put my foot in my mouth damn it but I was serious. Okay my last song. It's cheesy but reminds me of being a kid and I like to listen to it when I'm sad.:)
I always liked this song but every time I've heard and sang it it makes me sad. It has emotion to it but I think it's suppose to be uplifting. I probably come across as being a victim or feeling sorry for myself but sometimes I have good reason. It makes me sad because I think of all the people who've hurt me and let me down in my life. I wish I had friends like this and I really don't so it hurts to hear. Romantically it makes me think about things that didn't work our thst way or ever happen but even so they could of still been a friend and been there for me, even if they didn't want more than that. Begging for friendship is really sad. I guess why would one want a friend who doesn't want to be a friend to them or care for them in any way.
This is a beautiful song but has an element of sadness running through it. It reminds me of losing people we love and how they want us to carry on :(
MMM