After appearing in Vaudeville theater with her sisters, Judy was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a teenager. There she made more than two dozen films, including nine with Mickey Rooney, and the film with which she would be most identified, "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). After 15 years, Judy was released from the studio but gained renewed success through record-breaking concert appearances, including a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall concert, a well-regarded but short-lived television series, and a return to film acting beginning with "A Star Is Born" (1954).
Despite her professional triumphs, Judy battled personal problems throughout her life. Insecure about her appearance, her feelings were compounded by film executives who told her she was unattractive and overweight. Plied with drugs to control her weight and increase her productivity, Garland endured a decades-long struggle with addiction. Garland was plagued by financial instability, often owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes, and her first four of five marriages ended in divorce. She attempted suicide on a number of occasions. Garland died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 47, leaving children Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft.
Legacy
Judy Garland's legacy as a performer and a personality has endured long after her death. The American Film Institute named Garland eighth among the "Greatest Female Stars of All Time". She has been the subject of over two dozen biographies since her death, including the well-received "Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir" by her daughter, Lorna Luft. Luft's memoir was later adapted into the multiple award-winning television mini-series, "Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows", which won Emmy Awards for two actresses portraying Garland (Tammy Blanchard and Judy Davis).
Garland was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. Several of her recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. These include "Over the Rainbow," which was ranked as the number one movie song of all time in the American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 Songs" list. Four more Garland songs are featured on the list: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (#76), "Get Happy" (#61), "The Trolley Song" (#26), and "The Man That Got Away" (#11).
Judy Garland has twice been honored on U.S. postage stamps, in 1989 (as Dorothy) and again in 2006 (as Vicki Lester from A Star Is Born).
"Friendship" Medley
Judy Garland Lyrics
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If you're ever in a mess, S-O-S
If you ever feel so happy, you land in jail, I'm your bail.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships have been forgot,
Ours will still be hot.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle dig, dig, dig.
If you're ever down a well, ring my bell.
If you ever lose your teeth, and you're out to dine, borrow mine.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships have been forgate,
Ours will still be great.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle, chuck, chuck, chuck.
If they ever black your eyes, put me wise.
If they ever cook your goose, turn me loose.
If they ever put a bullet through your brain, I'll complain.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships have been forgit,
Ours will still be it.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle, hep, hep, hep.
The song "Friendship," performed by Judy Garland and Ethel Merman, delves deep into the concept of friendship and how it is the perfect blendship. The lyrics of the song highlight the closeness and trust that is inherent in true friendships, with a promise to always be there for each other no matter the circumstance. The opening lyrics, "If you're ever in a jam, here I am/If you're ever in a mess, S-O-S," emphasize the loyalty of a true friend, who is always there to help when needed.
The lyrics go on to describe how the bond of friendship transcends all other relationships. The refrain of "It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship" emphasizes the unmatched connection between friends. The lyrics joke about the absurdity of some of the situations in which friends may need each other's help - from landing in jail to losing your teeth while out to dinner - but the sentiment remains that a true friend will always be there, no matter the situation. The song ends with an upbeat and lighthearted "Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle dig, dig, dig/chuck, chuck, chuck/hep, hep, hep," emphasizing the joy and fun that is inherent in true friendships.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're ever in a jam, here I am
If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, know that I'm here to help you out.
If you're ever in a mess, S-O-S
If you ever feel stuck in a problem or issue, just make a call for help and I'll come running.
If you ever feel so happy, you land in jail, I'm your bail.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your happiness turned into trouble, don't worry, I'm here to bail you out.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
The connection between us is beyond acquaintances, it's the essence of true friendship.
When other friendships have been forgot, Ours will still be hot.
Even if other friendships have faded away, ours will remain strong and passionate.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle dig, dig, dig.
A playful way of expressing the enthusiasm, excitement, and joy that comes along with our friendship.
If you're ever up a tree, phone to me.
If you ever feel stuck or helpless, just reach out to me, and I'll be there to support and guide you.
If you're ever down a well, ring my bell.
If you're ever facing a tough situation or depression, don't hesitate to contact me, I'll be there to lend a hand.
If you ever lose your teeth, and you're out to dine, borrow mine.
If you ever find yourself in an embarrassing situation, I'll be more than happy to lend you my teeth.
When other friendships have been forgate, Ours will still be great.
Even if other friendships have faded away, we'll continue to cherish our strong and amazing bond.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle, chuck, chuck, chuck.
An expression of our cheerful attitude towards life and the fun that we've together as friends.
If they ever black your eyes, put me wise.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone hurt you, inform me, and I'll stand behind you like a rock.
If they ever cook your goose, turn me loose.
No matter what the situation, you can count on me to provide unconditional support and help as your friend.
If they ever put a bullet through your brain, I'll complain.
No matter how bad the situation goes, I'll never abandon you, I'll be there to support and speak for you.
Ours will still be it.
No matter what happens, our friendship will continue to be true, unique, and one of a kind.
Lah-dle-ah-dle-ah-dle, hep, hep, hep.
An expression of our unapologetic happiness, joy, and excitement that comes along with everlasting friendship.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind