Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
A Friend of Mine
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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And how are you upon this bright
And sunny morning
I hear your brother Ted
Got caught for speeding
But was let off with a warning
I hope he's learnt his lesson
And the next time he goes out will drive with care
All it does is make your life last shorter
I know you won't believe this
But it happens to be true
I am a loner
My only real companion is dog I'm very fond of
His name's Homer
He follows me wherever I go
And of course I do my best to feed him
It's not the easiest of tasks
When you consider unlike cats
They're broader
Do what you want to within reason
But remember take your time
Nothing stops for those
Who can't afford to wait
The best advice that I can give you
Is to hold on to your head
And as long as you are good and kind
You'll always be a friend of mine
And it's true to say that a good friend is hard to find
But I'd like to think that you are
A friend of mine
Good morning Sarah Jane
And how are you today
Tell me is that your mother
She looks a lot like you
Though come to think of it
You look like one another
It's funny how with likenesses
Most people have a difference of opinion
They said that I was like my dad
Now they say that I'm just like his daughter
Do what you want to within reason
But remember take your time
Nothing stops for those
Who can't afford to wait
The best advice that I can give you
Is to hold on to your head
And as long as you are good and kind
You'll always be a friend of mine
You'll always be a friend of mine
As long as you are good and kind
You'll always be a friend of mine
A friend in need is a friend indeed
You'll always be a friend of mine
The lyrics to Gladys Knight & The Pips's song A Friend of Mine speak about conversation and observations of everyday life between friends. The song takes a conversational turn, as if the lyrics are spoken instead of sung. The first verse tells the story of a friend's brother getting caught for speeding, but being let off with a warning. The cautionary tale is seen as a reminder that caution should be taken when driving, or it could lead to an early end to one's life. The second verse talks about the singer being a loner with a dog named Homer, as the only true companion.
The chorus reinforces the message of the importance of being a good and kind person. It advises the listener to do what they want but within reason, reminding them that patience is a virtue. It suggests that nothing stops for those who can't afford to wait, meaning that impatience can lead to negative consequences. The chorus says the best advice is to hold onto one's head, to remain self-aware and not lose oneself in the chaos of life. The message is clear: being a good and kind person leads to being a true friend.
Overall, the song is about reminding people of the importance of being a kind and patient person, as that is what truly matters in life. The chorus suggests that if one is good and kind, they will always be regarded as a friend.
Line by Line Meaning
Good morning Mary Ann
Greeting Mary Ann in a respectful manner
And how are you upon this bright
Asking Mary Ann how she is feeling on a sunny morning
And sunny morning
Noticing the pleasant weather outside
I hear your brother Ted
Bringing up Ted in conversation
Got caught for speeding
Telling Mary Ann that Ted was caught breaking the law
But was let off with a warning
Mentioning that Ted was not punished severely
I hope he's learnt his lesson
Expressing hope that Ted has learned from his mistake
And the next time he goes out will drive with care
Encouraging Ted to be more careful when driving
It doesn't pay to drive too fast
Warning against the dangers of speeding
All it does is make your life last shorter
Implying that reckless behavior can lead to an early death
I know you won't believe this
Acknowledging that what is said next may sound unbelievable
But it happens to be true
Assuring Mary Ann that the previous statement is accurate
I am a loner
Admitting to being a solitary person
My only real companion is dog I'm very fond of
Stating that the only company one has is a beloved pet
His name's Homer
Introducing the name of the pet dog
He follows me wherever I go
Sharing how the dog is always by one's side
And of course I do my best to feed him
Stating that one takes care of the dog's needs
It's not the easiest of tasks
Acknowledging that taking care of the pet can be a challenge
When you consider unlike cats
Highlighting the difference in caring for a dog vs a cat
They're broader
Referring to the fact that dogs need more food than cats
Do what you want to within reason
Encouraging freedom of choice, within sensible limits
But remember take your time
Advising to not rush, but to be patient
Nothing stops for those
Reminding that the world keeps moving, regardless of one's actions
Who can't afford to wait
Suggesting that impatience can lead to unfavorable outcomes
The best advice that I can give you
Offering words of wisdom
Is to hold on to your head
Encouraging to stay grounded and maintain composure
And as long as you are good and kind
Stating that treating others with respect and kindness is important
You'll always be a friend of mine
Declaring that the individual is valued as a friend
And it's true to say that a good friend is hard to find
Recognizing that finding a true friend is not easy
But I'd like to think that you are
Expressing a belief that the individual is a genuine friend
Good morning Sarah Jane
Greeting Sarah Jane in a respectful manner
And how are you today
Asking Sarah Jane how she is feeling
Tell me is that your mother
Asking if the woman next to Sarah Jane is her mother
She looks a lot like you
Commenting on the visual similarity between Sarah Jane and her mother
Though come to think of it
Reflecting on the situation
You look like one another
Confirming the likeness between Sarah Jane and her mother
It's funny how with likenesses
Reflecting on how people perceive similarities
Most people have a difference of opinion
Noting that people have varied opinions about similarities
They said that I was like my dad
Sharing past comments made about oneself
Now they say that I'm just like his daughter
Indicating a change in perceptions of oneself based on new information
You'll always be a friend of mine
Reiterating that the individual is valued as a friend
As long as you are good and kind
Stating that treating others with respect and kindness is important
A friend in need is a friend indeed
Recognizing that true friends are there to support in difficult times
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ALLAN SIMPSON, GLYNN PARRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind