It’s a real cheesefest this weekend. Just when you thought it was safe to come back to the blog after yesterday’s Barry Manilow offering, I’m serving up a little ‘That’s What Friends Are For.’
The week of January 18, 1986, was the first of a four-week stint at #1 for this collaboration between Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. Written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, the song was originally recorded by Rod Stewart for the soundtrack of the 1982 film Night Shift.
I love Night Shift, director Ron Howard’s second film and the first movie to feature Michael Keaton in a major role. Or at least I loved it when I last saw it, which might be 30 years ago now. But I saw it many times in my youth and I bet it holds up (even if it is about two men who run a prostitution ring out of a morgue).
Back to Dionne & Friends. This was Warwick’s first collaboration with Bacharach since the 70s, and it won them both Grammys. She recorded it as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research and earned more than $3 million for the cause.
So, a corny song, no doubt, but one that made the world a little bit better.
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]
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]
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
[Chorus]
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]
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]
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]
(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’
Meet Me In Montauk 