Newman is noted for his practice of writing lyrics from the perspective of a character far removed from Newman's own biography. For example, the 1972 song "Sail Away" is written as a slave trader's sales pitch to attract slaves, while the narrator of "Political Science" is a U.S. nationalist who complains of worldwide ingratitude toward America and proposes a brutally ironic final solution. One of his biggest hits, "Short People" was written from the perspective of "a lunatic" who hates short people. Since the 1980s, Newman has worked mostly as a film composer. His film scores include Ragtime, Awakenings, The Natural, Leatherheads, James and the Giant Peach, Meet the Parents, Seabiscuit and The Princess and the Frog. He has scored many Disney-Pixar films: Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University, Cars 3 and most recently Toy Story 4.
He has been awarded an Academy Award, three Emmys, four Grammy Awards, and the Governor's Award from the Recording Academy. Newman was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2007, Newman was inducted as a Disney Legend.
Newman grew up in a musical family with Hollywood connections; his uncles Alfred and Lionel both scored numerous films. By age 17, Randy was staff writer for a California music publisher. One semester short of a B.A. in music from UCLA, he dropped out of school. Lenny Waronker, son of Liberty Records’ president, was a close friend and, later, as a staff producer for Warner Bros., helped get Newman signed to the label.
Newman’s early songs were recorded by a number of performers. His friend Harry Nilsson recorded an entire album with Newman on piano, Nilsson Sings Newman, in 1970. Judy Collins (“I Think It’s Going to Rain Today”), Peggy Lee (“Love Story”), and Three Dog Night - for whom “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” hit #1 - all enjoyed success with Newman’s music.
Newman became a popular campus attraction when touring with Nilsson. His status as a cult star was affirmed by his critically praised debut, Randy Newman, in 1968, which featured his own complex arrangements for full orchestra, and later by 1970’s 12 Songs. He also sang “Gone Dead Train” on the soundtrack of Performance (1970). Live and Sail Away were Newman’s first commercial successes, but his audience has been limited to some degree because his songs are often colored by his ironic, pointed sense of humor, which is rarely simple and frequently misunderstood.
Good Old Boys, for example, was a concept album about the South, with the lyrics expressing the viewpoint of white Southerners. Lyrics such as “We’re rednecks, and we don’t know our ass from a hole in the ground” made people wonder whether Newman was being satirical or sympathetic. He toured (to Atlanta and elsewhere) behind the album with a full orchestra that played his arrangements and was conducted by his uncle Emil Newman.
Little Criminals, in 1977, contained Newman’s first hit single, “Short People,” which mocked bigotry and was taken seriously by a vocal offended minority. “Baltimore” from that album was covered by Nina Simone. Following that album’s release, Newman toured for the first time since 1974. He claimed that in the interim he’d done nothing but watch television and play with his three sons. In 1979 his Born Again featured guest vocals by members of the Eagles. In 1981 Newman composed the soundtrack for the film Ragtime (the first of many soundtrack assignments) and was nominated for two Oscars (Best Song, Best Score). His 1983 album, Trouble in Paradise, included guest appearances by Linda Ronstadt, members of Fleetwood Mac, and Paul Simon, who sang a verse of “The Blues.” That album’s “I Love L.A.” became something of an anthem, thanks in part to a flashy music video directed by Newman’s cousin, Tim Newman (who went on to shoot popular videos for ZZ Top, among others). Land of Dreams (#80, 1988) spawned a minor hit in “It’s Money That Matters” (#60, 1988). It would take Newman 10 more years to make another studio album, 1999’s critically acclaimed Bad Love. With that record peaking at #194, he continues to meet his biggest success in Hollywood, where he spent most of the ’90s becoming one of the town’s most sought-after film composers. Although the material on his own records is literate and biting, the songs he writes for movies are decidedly simpler and with a sunnier outlook - and they usually meet with more success. Both “I Love to See You Smile” from Parenthood and “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2, for instance, were nominated for Oscars; in 1998 alone, Newman garnered three Oscar nominations for three different movies.
In 1995 Newman wrote a musical adaptation of Goethe’s Faust. Both the play and the accompanying CD (which featured guests such as Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Elton John, Don Henley, and James Taylor in the role of God) were commercially unsuccessful. In 2000 he received the Billboard Century Award.
Disney
Randy Newman Lyrics
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You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me
Yeah, you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got troubles, and I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and can see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
Some other folks might be
A little bit smarter than I am
Bigger and stronger too, maybe
But none of them will ever love you
The way I do, it's me and you, boy
And as the years go by
Our friendship will never die
You're gonna see it's our destiny
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
The lyrics to Randy Newman & Lyle Lovett's song Toy Story is a heartwarming message about friendship. The song is about the bond between two friends and how they will always be there for each other no matter what happens. The first verse begins with a reminder that when life gets hard and you're far away from home and feeling lonely, you can always count on your friend. They will be there to support you, cheer you up, and remind you that you're not alone. The chorus emphasizes this point by repeating the line "You've got a friend in me" several times. This is a powerful message to anyone who needs a friend or is feeling lost.
The second verse talks about how everyone has troubles, but when you have a friend like the one in the song, you know that you can rely on them to help you through the tough times. The verse emphasizes the importance of sticking together and supporting each other. The next part of the song is a comparison between the singer and other people. They may be smart or strong or successful, but they will never love the listener as much as the singer does. The song ends with a statement about how friendship is destiny and that the bond between the two friends will never die.
Overall, this song is a beautiful tribute to friendship and the power of having someone there for you. It reminds us that we are not alone and that there is always someone out there who cares for us. It is a comforting message that we can all benefit from hearing.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got a friend in me
I am always here for you and I will be your friend no matter what.
When the road looks rough ahead
When life gets tough and things appear difficult and painful.
And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed
When you're far away from your comfort zone and need someone to rely on.
You just remember what your old pal said
Remember my words of comfort and reassurance that I am here for you.
Boy, you've got a friend in me
You have a loyal and constant friend in me.
You've got troubles, and I've got 'em too
Whatever issues or difficulties you may face, I am also going through the same emotions and can relate to you.
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
I am ready to go the extra mile for you, no matter what.
We stick together and can see it through
We will support each other and overcome any obstacle together.
'Cause you've got a friend in me
Because you have a faithful and dependable friend in me.
Some other folks might be
Other people may have different qualities or strengths than I do.
A little bit smarter than I am
They may be more intelligent than I am, but that doesn't negate our friendship.
Bigger and stronger too, maybe
They may be more physically imposing, but that doesn't change my friendship with you.
But none of them will ever love you
However, none of them will have the same level of affection and devotion for you as I do.
The way I do, it's me and you, boy
Our bond is unique, and it's just you and me, pal.
And as the years go by
As time passes, and we both grow and change,
Our friendship will never die
Our friendship will always remain strong, even throughout the changes and challenges of life.
You're gonna see it's our destiny
You will realize our friendship was meant to be, and always will be.
You've got a friend in me
You have an unwavering and loyal friend in me.
You've got a friend in me
You have a true-blue and supportive ally in me.
Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company
Written by: RANDY NEWMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind