… Read Full Bio ↴Ian Dury (1942-2000) was an English singer, songwriter, and bandleader.
Born on 12th May 1942, he is best known as founder and lead singer of the British band Ian Dury and the Blockheads, though he began his musical career in pub-rock act Kilburn & the High Roads. He wrote many famous songs including "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick", "What a Waste", and "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll". He died on 27th March 2000.
At the age of seven, Dury contracted polio; very likely, he believed, from a swimming pool at Southend on Sea during the 1949 polio epidemic. After six weeks in a full plaster cast in Truro hospital, he was moved to Black Notley Hospital, Braintree, Essex, where he spent a year and a half before going to Chailey Heritage Craft School, East Sussex, in 1951. Chailey was a school and hospital for disabled children, and believed in toughening them up, contributing to the observant and determined person Dury became.
Friends
Ian Dury Lyrics
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When Freddy Frost was in my soul and Tommy Tear was in my eye
Philippa Friendship took my hand, said : 'Baby, don't cry'
When Tessie Trouble's on patrol and Suzie Sadness makes you blue
Let Lenny Love come to your door and pal up with you.
Friends are something special, friends are all we need
What Peter Panic can't put down and Nellie Nasty can't destroy
When Harry Happy says hello to Jennifer Joy.
Friends are more than precious, friends are guaranteed
Friends with one another, I like you very much indeed.
Friends are more than special, friends are all we need
Friends are so important, I like you very much indeed.
The song "Friends" by Ian Dury is an anthem that celebrates the true essence of friendship. The opening lines "When Freddy Frost was in my soul and Tommy Tear was in my eye" captures the feeling of sadness and loneliness that often grips us during difficult times. However, the song's focus quickly shifts to the presence of Philippa Friendship who offers comfort and reassurance. She tells the singer, "Baby, don't cry," indicating that true friends are always there to support and uplift us.
The song then presents a series of characters like Tessie Trouble, Suzie Sadness, Peter Panic, and Nellie Nasty, representing the difficult situations and negative emotions that we face in life. However, the singer reminds us that with friends like Lenny Love, Harry Happy, and Jennifer Joy by our side, we can overcome anything. The repeated chorus "Friends are something special, friends are all we need" emphasizes the importance of friendship and how it offers a sense of belonging and connection that is essential for our well-being.
In conclusion, "Friends" is a simple yet profound tribute to the role of friendship in our lives. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone because we have the love and support of our friends.
Line by Line Meaning
When Freddy Frost was in my soul and Tommy Tear was in my eye
When I was feeling cold and sad
Philippa Friendship took my hand, said : 'Baby, don't cry'
My friend Philippa comforted me
When Tessie Trouble's on patrol and Suzie Sadness makes you blue
When you're going through a rough time
Let Lenny Love come to your door and pal up with you
Let a loving friend come and be with you
Friends are something special, friends are all we need
Friendship is invaluable and essential
Friends with one another, I like you very much indeed
When we're friends, I cherish you greatly
What Peter Panic can't put down and Nellie Nasty can't destroy
Even fear and negativity can't harm certain things
When Harry Happy says hello to Jennifer Joy
When people with positive attitudes connect
Friends are more than precious, friends are guaranteed
Friends are irreplaceable and dependable
Friends are so important, I like you very much indeed
Friendship matters deeply to me
Contributed by Lily O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.