About the song
That’s What Friends Are For: A Song of Healing and Hope
There are songs that simply transcend their era, becoming timeless anthems that resonate across generations. “That’s What Friends Are For,” the 1985 mega-hit performed by Dionne Warwick alongside a constellation of stars – Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder – is undoubtedly one of those songs. More than just a catchy tune, it became a cultural phenomenon, a beacon of hope and solidarity during a time of immense fear and uncertainty.
The song’s origins are fascinating. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, it was initially recorded by Rod Stewart in 1982 for the film Night Shift. However, it was Dionne Warwick’s inspired rendition, orchestrated by music mogul Clive Davis, that catapulted the song to stratospheric heights. Davis envisioned a charity single to benefit AIDS research, and he gathered a quartet of powerhouse vocalists to bring the song to life.
The result was pure magic. Warwick’s signature elegance and soulful delivery, combined with the raw power of Elton John, the gospel-infused fervor of Gladys Knight, and the inimitable vocal stylings of Stevie Wonder, created a musical tapestry that was both uplifting and profoundly moving.
But “That’s What Friends Are For” was much more than just a star-studded collaboration. It emerged during the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic, a time when stigma and misinformation were rampant. The song’s message of love, support, and compassion resonated deeply with a community grappling with loss and fear. It became an anthem of hope, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, human connection and empathy could provide solace and strength.
Beyond its social significance, “That’s What Friends Are For” is simply a beautiful song. Bacharach’s melody is both sophisticated and instantly memorable, while Sager’s lyrics are imbued with a profound sense of humanity and empathy. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its power to touch hearts and inspire hope, regardless of age or background.
Join us as we revisit this iconic recording, exploring its musical nuances, its cultural impact, and its enduring legacy as a testament to the power of friendship and love in a world desperately in need of both.
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Lyrics
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’
