That’s What Friends Are For 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
[Chorus: Dionne Warwick with Elton John]
Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' 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 forevermore
That's what friends are for
[Verse 2: Stevie Wonder & Elton John]
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 comin' from my heart
And then if you can remember, oh
Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
In good times, in bad times
I'll be on your side forevermore
Oh, that's what friends are for, oh
[Chorus: Gladys Knight]
Oh, keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' 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 forevermore
That's what friends are for
[Chorus: Elton John, Dionne Warwick, & all]
Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, oh, 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 forevermore, oh
That's what friends are for
[Outro: Stevie Wonder, Elton John, & Dionne Warwick]
(Ha, ha, that's what friends are for)
(Ha, ha, yeah)
On me for sure
Count on me for sure
Count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
Keep smilin', keep shinin'
About
Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager and recorded by Rod Stewart in 1982 for the Night Shift soundtrack, “That’s What Friends Are For” was later a one-off collaboration headed by Dionne Warwick, featuring Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder in 1985.
Profits from its sales were donated to The American Foundation for AIDS Research. Over $3 million was raised by the single for that cause.
The song peaked at #1 for three weeks on the soul chart and four weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1986, becoming the final US number one for all performers except John, and became Billboard’s #1 single of the year (1986). In the U.S. it was certified Gold on January 15, 1986 by the RIAA.
Elton John played piano and Stevie Wonder played harmonica on the track.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- 1.That’s What Friends Are For
- 7.Stay Devoted
- 9.How Long?
