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About the song
John Denver’s “Friends With You”, a folksy gem that warms the heart and evokes a sense of enduring companionship. Released in 1971, this track became a cornerstone of Denver’s career, finding a place on his iconic “Greatest Hits” album and resonating with audiences for decades.
But “Friends With You” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a testament to the power of friendship, a reminder that the bonds we forge stay with us through thick and thin. Denver, a singer-songwriter known for his love of nature and optimistic spirit, imbues the song with a sincerity that feels genuine and relatable.
The composition itself is a delightful blend of folk and country influences. Denver’s characteristic vocals, clear and earnest, deliver lyrics penned by Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert. The acoustic guitar takes center stage, strummed with a gentle rhythm that complements the unhurried tempo. Hints of pedal steel guitar add a touch of country twang, a signature sound of Denver’s music.
“Friends With You” unfolds like a heartfelt conversation. The opening verse paints a picture of shared experiences, of laughter and tears, of moments big and small that solidify friendships. “We’ve shared some laughter, we’ve shared some tears/ We’ve faced some dangers, conquered some fears” sings Denver, his voice conveying a sense of shared history and mutual support.
The chorus, the song’s emotional core, is a beautiful declaration of loyalty. “Friends, I will remember you/ Think of you, pray for you/ And when another day is through/ I’ll still be friends with you.” These simple yet potent lines express the enduring nature of friendship, a bond that transcends time and circumstance.
“Friends With You” doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the realities of life, the inevitable parting of ways that can occur as friends move on or pursue different paths. Yet, the song emphasizes the strength of the connection, the belief that even when physically separated, the essence of the friendship remains. “Though the miles may stretch between us/ And the years may come and go/ In my heart there’s always a place/ For the friends that helped me grow” sings Denver, capturing the bittersweetness of distance while emphasizing the lasting impact of friends.
The final verse takes on a more introspective tone, reflecting on the lessons learned and the growth fostered through friendship. “Friends With You” becomes more than a simple song about companionship; it becomes a celebration of the human experience, the way our relationships shape us and enrich our lives.
“Friends With You” stands as a timeless classic in John Denver’s discography. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the universality of its message – a message that celebrates the power and importance of friendship in our lives.
Video
Lyrics
“Friends With You”
What a friend we have in time. Gives us children, makes us wine.
Tells us what to take or leave behind.And the gifts of growing old, all the stories to be told
of the feelings more precious than gold.Friends I will remember you, think of you, pray for you.
And when another day is through, I’ll still be friends with you.Baby’s days are never long. Mother’s laugh is baby’s song.
Gives us all the hope to carry on.Friends I will remember you, think of you, pray for you.
And when another day is through, I’ll still be friends with you.
Friends I will remember you, think of you, pray for you.And when another day is through, I’ll still be friends with you.
My friends, I will remember you, think of you, pray for you.
And when another day is through, I’ll still be friends with you.