The Fatback Band (later, simply Fatback) is an American funk and disco band… Read Full Bio ↴The Fatback Band (later, simply Fatback) is an American funk and disco band. Most popular in the 1970s and 1980s, The Fatback Band is most known for their Top Ten R&B hits, "(Do The) Spanish Hustle", "I Like Girls", "Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money)", and "Backstrokin'". Their 1979 single "King Tim III (Personality Jock)" is sometimes considered the first hip hop single.

Formed in New York City in 1970, the Fatback Band was the concept of Bill Curtis, an experienced session drummer, inspired to merge the "fatback" jazz beat of New Orleans into a funk band. In addition to Curtis, the band's initial line-up included guitarist Johnny King, bassist Johnny Flippin, trumpet player George Williams, saxophonist Earl Shelton, flautist George Adams, and keyboardist Gerry Thomas. The band specialized in playing "street funk". The group also later included conga player Wayne Woolford, vocalists Jayne and Gerry, Deborah Cooper saxophonist Fred Demerey, guitarist Louis Wright and George Victory.

You've Got A Friend
Fatback Band Lyrics

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When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name

And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep you head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking at you door

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there

Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
You've got a friend

Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend

Overall Meaning

The Fatback Band’s “You’ve Got a Friend” is a soulful ballad that speaks to the power of true friendship in difficult times. The song speaks to the idea that when you are feeling down and alone, all you need to do is reach out to a friend who will eagerly come to your aid. The first verse communicates the despair of feeling utterly alone and hopeless when nothing seems to be going right. It suggests that when you are in this state of mind, the best course of action is to think of a friend who will always be there for you. The lyrics exude an optimistic spirit and communicate that even in the darkest times, having a friend nearby can make all the difference.

The chorus of “You’ve Got a Friend” is an affirmation of the idea that true friends are always there for each other. The song suggests that no matter where you are or what time of year it is, all you have to do is call and a friend will be there to help you. The song also touches on the idea that people can sometimes hurt you or abandon you, but having a true friend by your side can make even the toughest times a little easier to bear.

Overall, the message of “You’ve Got a Friend” is one of hope, perseverance, and the power of friendship. The song suggests that no one should have to go through life feeling alone, and that true friends are a vital source of comfort and support in difficult times. By communicating these ideas through soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the Fatback Band creates a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.

Line by Line Meaning

When you're down and troubled
When life gets hard and you are feeling low

And you need a helping hand
When you require some support

And nothing, nothing is going right
And things just don't seem to be working out

Close your eyes and think of me
Take a moment to remember me

And soon I will be there
And I will come to you as fast as I can

To brighten up even your darkest night
To make even your most difficult moments seem easier

You just call out my name
Just say my name out loud

And you know wherever I am
And you know that no matter where I am

I'll come running to see you again
I will hurry to come to see you again

Winter, spring, summer or fall
No matter what season it is

All you have to do is call
Just let me know you need me