Formed circa 1968/69, the original core members included percussionist Patrick Olive, guitarist Franklyn De Allie and drummer Ian King, along with bass player Tony Wilson, pianist Larry Ferguson and with Jamaican-born songwriter/vocalist Errol Brown. For Apple, they released a reggae version of "Give Peace A Chance", and backed Mary Hopkins on "Think About Your Children" before the Apple label dissolved. In 1970, they signed to Rak Records, a label owned by UK producer Mickie Most who had the group compose the final chart hit for Herman's Hermits. On their own they were to become one of the U.K's best loved charts groups, with 25 UK top 40 hit singles in their career. Hot Chocolate enjoyed their first UK hit in 1970 with "Love Is Life" followed by many more U.K. Top 10 hits including "I Believe (In Love)," "Brother Louie" (a stateside #-1 for U.S Stories), "A Child's Prayer," "Put Your Love In Me," "No Doubt About It," "Girl Crazy," "It Started With A Kiss" and "What Kinda Boy You Looking For (Girl)."
While popular in the U.K, it wasn't until 1974 that they secured a U.S record deal with Big Tree records, releasing the single "Emma", and becoming associated with burgeoning disco scene with "Disco Queen." Their second US album featured "You Sexy Thing" which hit #3 on the US top 40 charts. By 1978 they were affiliated with Infinity Records in the U.S and hit #6 on the charts with "Every 1's A Winner." 1979 sees the band release the LP "Going Through The Motions" obviously burning out on disco, but still commercially aiming for the dancefloor market with the irionic track "Mindless Boogie". They continued for some years afterwards but never regained the chart action or a U.S label, with lead singer Errol Brown finally leaving in 1987, basically putting an end to the group.
In 1992, with a new line-up, manager and agent, Ric Martin, took control over the band's bookings and live appearances. Hot Chocolate continue to make live appearances in the UK and Europe. A minor resurgence in interest in Hot Chocolate's music occurred after the 1998 film "The Full Monty" used "You Sexy Thing" prominently in the soundtrack. Errol brown was also known under the nickname, "the singing malteser" due to his bald head.
You'll Always Be a Friend
Hot Chocolate Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
did I hear you say you’re not to sure of what we got
anymore
once I had a gentle mood to help me
but that is when I’m happy here beside you
now it’s gone
When all we’ve said are done
What we had could never end
You’ll always be a friend
I can’t regret the days I loved being with you
I just can’t remember how it slipped away these things
they just do
and if I had my life to live or love her
I do it all again to make it better
that’s what I’d do
but in my mind I know the time
when all we’ve said are done
what we had could never end
you’ll always be a friend
The song "You'll Always Be a Friend" by Hot Chocolate is a poignant reflection on the uncertain nature of relationships and the lasting power of friendship. The opening lines, "Is it time for me to go... I don't know / Did I hear you say you're not to sure of what we got anymore" suggest a sense of ambivalence and doubt on the part of the singer. They may be questioning whether the relationship they once had with someone is still meaningful, or whether they should move on.
The next lines, "Once I had a gentle mood to help me / But that is when I'm happy here beside you / Now it's gone" describe a loss of something that once brought comfort and stability to the singer. Perhaps they had a sense of security and happiness when they were with this person, but now that feeling is gone.
However, despite the uncertainty and loss, the singer ultimately concludes that the connection they shared with this person can never truly end. "But in my mind I know the time / When all we’ve said are done / What we had could never end / You’ll always be a friend" speaks to the enduring power of friendship, even when romantic relationships may come and go. The singer acknowledges that they may have some regrets, but ultimately they value and cherish the friendship that remains.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it time for me to go... I don’t know
I am uncertain about leaving, I am not sure of my decision
did I hear you say you’re not to sure of what we got anymore
You no longer seem sure of our relationship
once I had a gentle mood to help me
I used to have a calm demeanor when I was with you
but that is when I’m happy here beside you
I was happy being next to you when my mood was calm
now it’s gone
My calm demeanor is no longer present
but in my mind I know the time
I am aware of when things between us changed
When all we’ve said are done
After everything that has been said and done
What we had could never end
Our relationship was special and will always be remembered
You’ll always be a friend
Even though we may not be together, you will always have a special place in my heart as a friend
I can’t regret the days I loved being with you
I don't regret the time we spent together and the love we shared
I just can’t remember how it slipped away these things they just do
I don't know how our relationship faded away, sometimes things just happen
and if I had my life to live or love her
If I had the chance to redo my life and love you again
I'd do it all again to make it better
I would do everything in my power to make everything right and better between us
Contributed by Colin H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jameswalker3574
Made my eyes water god bring back the loving days xx
@sunryse111
Lovely comment, James - thank you.
@Art_is_life
@@sunryse111 ⁸8⁸777
@steve240
Yup.
Me too.
Thank you Errol and company
@georgemilne619
Ah the seventies, a wonderful decade of music
@stephencummings5047
A beautiful masterpiece it was a favourite of my beautiful late father
@allisonjayneleeds9859
Played this at my dads funeral.. his song for my mum .. tbey loved each other 1 million % .. l love this song xx
@Emil-te1fi
My mum and dad also sweetheart
@robertchikumbirike1913
I fell in love with this song when I was 9 years old ! Beautiful lyrics. And enjoyed the live performance in 1992 Wrexham. UK
@allisonjayneleeds9859
I. From mold .. bit b4 my time but l love hot chocolate 🍫 xx