That's What Friends Are For
B.J. Thomas & Bj Thomas Lyrics
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Sometimes they're sad
Sometimes they're lonely
And need to be told that they're loved
Everyone needs to be loved
Friends are like good wine
And I've had the best
But no one knows better than I
So drink up
I'm a homesick old sailor
Who longs for the sound of my own front door
Tell me your stories
I'll teach you my songs
And we'll have one more
Isn't that what friends are for?
Isn't that what friends are for?
Friends are like warm clothes
In the night air
Best when they're old
And we miss them the most when they're gone
Miss them the most when they're gone
Your friends love your good side
and live with your bad
But they want you and need you
When no one else knows your alive
So drink up
I'm a homesick old sailor
Who longs for the sound of my own front door
Tell me your stories
I'll teach you my songs
And we'll have one more
Isn't that what friends are for?
Isn't that what friends are for?
So drink up
I'm a homesick old sailor
Who longs for the sound of my own front door
Tell me your stories
I'll teach you my songs
And we'll have one more
So drink up
I'm a homesick old sailor
Who longs for the sound of my own front door
Tell me your stories
and I'll sing you all my songs
And we'll have one more
Isn't that what friends are for?
Isn't that what friends are for?
In "That's What Friends Are For," B.J. Thomas sings about the importance and beauty of friendships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of friends being like music - they can be sad and lonely at times but need to be reminded that they are loved. The song emphasizes that everyone needs to be loved, and good friends make that possible. Thomas talks about how he has had the best of friends, even if he doesn't always show it. The chorus emphasizes the idea of friends being there for one another - to listen, to share stories, to teach each other songs. The lyrics also make it clear that friends should be accepting of one another, flaws and all, and support each other even when no one else knows they're alive.
The song highlights the theme of longing for home and nostalgia, as Thomas refers to himself as a "homesick old sailor" who longs for the sound of his own front door. He relates to his friends, feeling the absence of warmth and comfort of something he loves. The song ultimately presents friends as sources of comfort and support during tough times, with the repeated refrain of "Isn't that what friends are for?" serving as a reminder that true friendships endure.
Line by Line Meaning
Friends are like music
Friends are beautiful and essential in life, much like music.
Sometimes they're sad
Sometimes friends feel down and need support.
Sometimes they're lonely
Even friends can feel alone at times and need companionship.
And need to be told that they're loved
Friends need to be reminded that they are loved and appreciated.
Everyone needs to be loved
All people require love and affection, including friends.
Friends are like good wine
Friends get better with time, like good wine.
And I've had the best
I have been fortunate to have great friends in my life.
I don't always show it
I may not always express my gratitude toward my friends.
But no one knows better than I
I understand the value of my friends better than anyone else.
So drink up
Let's enjoy each other's company and cherish the moment.
I'm a homesick old sailor
I am feeling nostalgic and longing for familiarity.
Who longs for the sound of my own front door
I miss the comfort of my home and the people I love.
Tell me your stories
Share your experiences and thoughts with me.
I'll teach you my songs
I'll share my knowledge and experiences with you.
And we'll have one more
Let's make our time together memorable and enjoyable.
Friends are like warm clothes
Friends provide comfort and warmth when it's cold outside.
In the night air
During dark and lonely times.
Best when they're old
Friends are most cherished and valuable with age.
And we miss them the most when they're gone
We realize the importance of our friends when we're apart from them.
Your friends love your good side
Friends embrace the best aspects of a person's character.
and live with your bad
Friends accept a person's flaws and imperfections.
But they want you and need you
Despite any flaws, friends desire and rely on a person's presence.
When no one else knows your alive
In moments of loneliness or despair, friends provide a sense of belonging.
and I'll sing you all my songs
I'll share my feelings and emotions with you through music and conversation.
Isn't that what friends are for?
This is what true friendship means and entails.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL H WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind