Gold was a multi-instrumentalist who played guitar, bass, keyboards, accordion, synthesizer, harmonica, saxophone, flute, drums and percussion, as well as more arcane musical devices such as ukulele, musette, and harmonium. He was also a producer, sound engineer, film composer, session musician, actor, and painter.
Throughout the years, he played and/or sang on records and/or live performances with artists including Carly Simon, Jennifer Warnes, Linda Ronstadt, Stephen Bishop, Nicolette Larson, Maria Muldaur, Neil Diamond, Barbi Benton, Juice Newton, Leo Sayer, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Karla Bonoff, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Frankie Valli/Four Seasons , Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Don Henley, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Cher, Jesse McCartney and J.D. Souther.
Gold was born in Burbank, California, and eventually followed his parents into show business. His mother is singer Marni Nixon (who provided the singing voice for numerous actresses, notably Natalie Wood in West Side Story, Deborah Kerr in The King and I, and Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady); his father was Ernest Gold, the Austrian-born, Academy Award-winning composer for the movie Exodus. He has two younger sisters.
Gold began writing songs at the age of 13. Abroad in England for school, the 16-year old Gold scored his first recording contract on the strength of a selection of demos he submitted to Polydor Records’ London office. That contract resulted in the single "Of All the Little Girls," which was recorded with his friend and collaborator Charlie Villiers, and released in 1967 under the name Villiers and Gold.
Career
1970–79
By the early 1970s, Gold was working full-time as a musician, songwriter and record producer. He was a member of the Los Angeles band Bryndle, alongside Kenny Edwards, Wendy Waldman and Karla Bonoff, releasing the single "Woke Up This Morning" in 1970. He played a major role as multi-instrumentalist and arranger for Linda Ronstadt's breakthrough album, 1974's Heart Like a Wheel, and her next four albums. Among other accomplishments, he played the majority of instruments on "You're No Good," Ronstadt's first #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, and the same on "When Will I Be Loved," "Heat Wave" and many other classic hits. He was in her band from 1973 until 1977, and then sporadically throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1975, Gold began recording as a solo artist, releasing four studio albums in the 1970s and over twelve since then. His hit single "Lonely Boy" reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June 1977 and has appeared in a number of film soundtracks, including Boogie Nights in 1997 and Adam Sandler's 1998 movie The Waterboy, among others. In February 2000, the American rock band Foo Fighters recorded a cover of the song to be used as a B-side for an upcoming single off their 1999 album There Is Nothing Left to Lose; however, it wasn't used as planned. On Marc Maron's January 17, 2013 WTF podcast, Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl said that the band's cover of "Lonely Boy" would eventually be released as the A-side of a special "Solid Gold" 45 rpm single with a Foo Fighters version of Gold's "Never Let Her Slip Away" as the B-side.
Although "Lonely Boy" was the bigger radio hit in the States, his single "Thank You for Being a Friend" (which peaked at #25 in 1978) later gained popularity as the theme song for the 1985–92 NBC situation comedy The Golden Girls (performed by Cindy Fee for the show). "Thank You for Being a Friend" has also shown up in places as diverse as an episode of the long-running animated TV situation comedy The Simpsons, a 2013 Super Bowl ad for the National Football League,[10] and an audio file in various musical greeting cards. Gold's biggest UK hit was "Never Let Her Slip Away," which made it to #5 twice on the British singles charts, once by him and again 14 years later by dance-pop group Undercover. Freddie Mercury, who was a friend of Gold's, assisted him with sparse harmony vocals as an uncredited background singer. Among the artists recording Gold's material was British singer Petula Clark who covered "Lonely Boy" in French ("Poor Lonesome Playboy") on her Paris, Orleans, Paris album. In 1976, Gold wrote the title track "Endless Flight" for singer Leo Sayer's hit album.
1975 also marked a successful collaboration with Art Garfunkel, wherein Gold played most of the instruments on Garfunkel's solo hit "I Only Have Eyes For You" (which went to #1 on the UK Singles Chart), as well as several other cuts on Garfunkel's album Breakaway. That year, Gold also played guitar on two cuts of Eric Carmen's album Boats Against the Current, including "She Did It," which was a #23 hit that same year.[17] Gold toured with the Eagles; worked in the recording studio and toured with Jackson Browne; played and sang on record and toured with James Taylor; and was second engineer on part of Joni Mitchell's Blue album.
1980–2011
In 1981, Gold produced, co-wrote, sang and played on three 10cc tracks that appeared the hit-making pop-rock band's 1981 album Ten Out of 10. Subsequently, Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman of 10cc invited Gold to become a member of the group. Although he had worked with them in the studio, business conflicts prevented him from joining up. In late 1983, 10cc broke up, and in the aftermath, Gold and Gouldman formed Wax. Wax recorded and toured for five years. They enjoyed international success, particularly in the U.K. where the duo had several Top 10 hits including "Right Between the Eyes" and their biggest hit "Bridge to Your Heart". Wax broke up as a recording and touring entity in 1989, but Gold and Gouldman continued to write and record together when possible.
Gold played on Cher's hit 1989 album Heart of Stone, and, during the early '90s, wrote hits for Trisha Yearwood as well as Wynonna Judd for whom he co-wrote the #1 single "I Saw The Light" with Lisa Angelle. (Later, Gold would produce Angelle on her own album, which featured a number of songs they co-authored.) He also produced singles for Vince Gill, wrote and produced tracks for Celine Dion, and arranged a cover of the Everly Brothers' hit “All I Have to Do Is Dream" that was sung by stars Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen in the 1984 science-fiction film Starman.
In the 1990s, Gold once again joined forces with ex-bandmates Karla Bonoff, Wendy Waldman and Kenny Edwards to re-form Bryndle and finally release their first full-length album, Bryndle. In 1996, Gold left Bryndle and released the children's holiday-oriented novelty album Halloween Howls. The same year, he released the solo album ....Since 1951, and produced Stephen Bishop's Blue Guitar album. Thereafter, he recorded the psychedelic '60s tribute album Greetings from Planet Love under the pseudonym The Fraternal Order Of The All, and released it on his own record label QBrain Records. This album was a multi-tracked solo affair with Gold essentially playing all of the instruments and singing all of the vocals on original songs in the style of Gold's favorite 1960s bands such as The Beatles, The Byrds and The Beach Boys. He produced, composed, and/or wrote tracks for numerous films, such as the comedy Rectuma from director Mark Pirro, and contributed songs to many television soundtracks and commercials. Among his more high-profile gigs, he sang "Final Frontier," the theme song for the television sitcom Mad About You. In a remarkable turn of events, his rendition of the song was used as the wake-up call for the Mars Pathfinder space probe in 1996.[18] Gold also produced seven albums for Japanese singer-songwriter Eikichi Yazawa.
During 2000, Gold compiled a Wax rarities album, Wax Bikini, as well as recording and releasing a new solo album The Spence Manor Suite - which was followed in 2002 by another solo collection Intermission. He appeared in a 2006 concert with the classic rock group America, and the performance was later released as a DVD entitled "America And Friends - Live at the Ventura Theater." The show featured Gold performing "Thank You for Being a Friend," "Final Frontier," "Bridge to Your Heart" and "Lonely Boy," as well as accompanying America and fellow guest artist Stephen Bishop on guitar and vocals. Gold had earlier produced America's Holiday Harmony Christmas album back in 2002, wherein he also played most of the instruments and co-wrote the track "Christmas in California."
Personal life
Gold was married to Vanessa Green, with whom he had three daughters, Emily, Victoria, and Olivia. After a divorce from Green, he married Leslie Kogan.
Although Gold put personal references in the lyrics to "Lonely Boy" (including his year of birth), he admitted in an interview that it was not autobiographical: "Maybe it was a mistake to do that, but I simply put in those details because it was convenient. I hadn't been a lonely boy at all – I'd had a very happy childhood."[21]
On June 3, 2011, Gold died in his sleep from heart failure at age 59 in Los Angeles.
Thank You for Being a Friend
Andrew Gold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Traveled down a road and back again
Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant
I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow
Invited everyone you knew
Well, you would see the biggest gift would be from me
And the card attached would say
Thank you for being a friend
Thank you for being a friend
Thank you for being a friend
Thank you for being a friend
If it's a car you lack
I'd surely buy you a Cadillac
Whatever you need, any time of the day or night
I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow
And when we both get older
With walking canes and hair of gray
Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear
I will stand real close and say
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Let me tell you 'bout a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
And when we die and float away
Into the night, the Milky Way
You'll hear me call as we ascend
I'll see you there, then once again
Thank you for being a
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend
People, let me tell you 'bout a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
Thank you for being a friend
Whoa, tell you 'bout a friend (let me thank you right now for being a friend)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna tell you 'bout a pal and I'll tell you again)
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you, thank you)
Thank you for being a friend
The song "Thank You For Being A Friend" by Andrew Gold is about the gratitude for a friend who has been there through thick and thin. The lyrics describe the journey of a friendship that has traveled down a road and back again, yet has remained strong and true. The singer expresses how he is not ashamed to say that he hopes the friendship will always remain this way, and he is grateful for the support and loyalty his friend has shown.
The lyrics indicate that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to make his friend happy, including buying them a Cadillac if they lack a car. It is clear that their friendship goes beyond material things and operates on a deeper level of mutual respect and admiration. Even as they both grow older, the singer assures his friend that he will always be there for them, standing close by and offering support whenever needed.
The song ends on a touching note, with the singer stating that even after they both pass away and float away into the Milky Way, he will still be thinking of his friend and thanking them for being a friend. The song is an ode to friendship and the love and respect that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Thank you for being a friend
Expressing gratitude for being a true companion
Traveled down a road and back again
We've been through a lot together
Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant
You are genuine, trustworthy, and a close friend
I'm not ashamed to say
I am proud to express
I hope it always will stay this way
I hope our friendship will always be strong
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow
You deserve recognition and praise for being an amazing friend
And if you threw a party
In the event that you hosted a celebration
Invited everyone you knew
Inviting all your acquaintances
Well, you would see the biggest gift would be from me
I would present the most significant gift
And the card attached would say Thank you for being a friend
The card would express appreciation for the friendship
If it's a car you lack
In the event that you need a car
I'd surely buy you a Cadillac
I would buy you a luxurious car
Whatever you need, any time of the day or night
I am always available to assist you
And when we both get older
As we grow old together
With walking canes and hair of gray
Using canes to walk and gray hair
Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear
Do not worry, even if it is difficult to understand
I will stand real close and say
I will stand by your side and express
Let me tell you 'bout a friend
Allow me to speak about a close companion
And when we die and float away
When we pass away and ascend
Into the night, the Milky Way
Into the galaxy at night
You'll hear me call as we ascend
You will hear me as we rise up
I'll see you there, then once again
I will see you there and be reunited as friends
People, let me tell you 'bout a friend
Everyone, allow me to speak about a true companion
Whoa, tell you 'bout a friend
Wow, let me talk about a close friend
let me thank you right now for being a friend
Let me express gratitude for being a companion right now
I wanna tell you 'bout a pal and I'll tell you again
I want to talk about a friend now and in the future
I wanna thank you, thank you
I want to express deep gratitude and say thank you
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew M Gold
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeffwilliams9476
I was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic and liver cancer. This song was added to my Celebration of Life songs list. God Bless.
@ethane-dawgwenger4207
Keep fighting, bro. Get better soon.
@amyrice77
May The Lord heal you and bless you from your head to your toes in the mighty name of Jesus!
@slimshany4602
Wishing you a heap of love 💛🌟
@brandonyankowski4319
God bless
@zandrokos
im sorry. that is what got my mom ultimately.
@daddygrace253
When the 'Golden Girls' premiered, I was 30 years old but I didn't watch this series. I remember my aunt use to get her snacks and wine every Saturday talking about seeing the 'Golden Girls' on NBC on Saturday nights. I didn't understand what all the fuss about my aunts and mother were making over this series until I watched it later on in life as a man. I fell in love with all 4 characters and I still watch the 'Golden Girls' sometimes nightly on the Hallmark Channel. Now that I am in my late 60's, single, gay, and no children, it is lonely being alone as a senior citizen. The girls bring me comfort every time I watch the 'Golden Girls'. RIP, girls!
@karimsonsafehold9233
Raise a pet cat dog
@g.g.harrison5949
I was 7 when the pilot aired and I remember my Meme watching it in the kitchen…..I always that was written just for the show…..Little did Mr. Gold know that he wrote one of the (IF NOT) the most iconic themes to any show!! Thank you, Mr. Gold for writing this piece of American History!!
@straight.no.chaser1708
This one Dallas and Different strokes💫