The Winans released their debut album, Introducing the Winans, in 1981, which was produced by Crouch and featured the now-classic cuts "The Question Is" and "Restoration." The 1983 follow-up, Long Time Comin', started to break the group to a wider audience, reaching the Top Ten on the gospel album charts; it also produced another staple of their repertoire in the ballad "Long Time Comin' (Holdin' On)." The title track of their third album, Tomorrow (which also made the gospel Top Ten), won the group its first Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group in 1985. In the wake of that success, the Winans moved over to famed producer Quincy Jones' Qwest label. Their label debut, Let My People Go, topped the gospel albums chart in 1986, and featured their first high-profile duet -- with Vanessa Bell Armstrong on "Choose Ye." Meanwhile, the title track won another Grammy, and the group received the first of three consecutive Dove Awards as Best Contemporary Gospel Group. Released in 1987, Decision was another number one hit on the gospel charts, and produced the Winans' first big crossover hit in the Anita Baker duet "Ain't No Need to Worry." The single made the Top 20 on the R&B charts and won a third straight Grammy.
Following this run as one of the most popular gospel groups in America, the Winans slowed their pace a little. Aside from the 1988 concert album Live at Carnegie Hall, the group didn't release any new music until 1990's Return. Return was another big crossover success, going gold and just missing the Top Ten on the R&B album charts. It featured a duet with Stevie Wonder on "Everyday the Same," and the Teddy Riley-produced "It's Time" was a major hit with secular audiences, reaching the R&B Top Five. Riley also worked on "A Friend," which became a fan favorite, and saxman Kenny G appeared on another single, "When You Cry." Released in 1993, All Out upped the ante for high-profile guest appearances, featuring Wayman Tisdale (on the single "Payday"), R. Kelly, Lalah Hathaway, Ricky Van Shelton, and Kenny Loggins. Despite winning a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Album, All Out didn't sell as well with secular audiences as its immediate predecessors. Perhaps as a result, the Winans didn't court crossover success as ardently on its follow-up, 1995's Heart & Soul, which returned them to the Top Five on the gospel album charts. After Heart & Soul, the Winans took a break from performing to concentrate on individual interests and ministries. They did return in 2000 with the holiday album Christmas: Our Gifts to You. In 2002, Rhino Records released the 16-track retrospective The Very Best of the Winans, and the entire Winans family -- not just the group itself -- hit the road in support, marking the first time in a decade that all the family members had performed together.
A Friend
The Winans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
You just call out my name
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep you head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking at you door
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
You've got a friend
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
The Winans's song "A Friend" is a classic tribute to friendship and support. The lyrics provide a comforting message of unconditional availability and loyalty. The song begins with an invitation for the listener to seek solace and support from their loved ones when they feel down and need a helping hand. The song highlights the importance of relying on one’s friends, especially when things are not going well. The lyrics explain that all you have to do is 'close your eyes and think of me' and friends will be available to 'brighten up even your darkest night'.
The chorus of the song is the most uplifting and motivating section. It assures the person that they are not alone in their struggles, and help is always around if they need it. The singer promises that wherever they may be, if the person calls their name, they will come running to them. This shows the unconditional nature of true friendship, where distance and circumstances do not matter.
The lyrics are a reminder that in a world where people can be cold and hurtful, having real friends can make all the difference. The song portrays the power of love, empathy, and compassion in a time of need. It reminds the listeners that they don’t have to go through life's struggles alone because they always have a friend to count on.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're down and troubled
In moments of sadness or distress
And you need a helping hand
When you require assistance to overcome your struggles
And nothing, nothing is going right
When all things seem to be going wrong for you
Close your eyes and think of me
Imagine my presence to comfort you
And soon I will be there
I will be there to offer my support
To brighten up even your darkest night
To provide hope and positivity even in your most difficult moments
You just call out my name
When you need me, just say my name
And you know wherever I am
You can be certain that I will come
I'll come running to see you again
I'll be there as soon as possible
Winter, spring, summer or fall
Regardless of the season or circumstance
All you have to do is call
Just call me and ask for help
And I'll be there
I will be there to support you
If the sky above you
When life becomes overwhelming
Grows dark and full of clouds
When life becomes difficult and uncertain
And that old north wind begins to blow
When hardships come knocking
Keep your head together
Stay calm and focused
And call my name out loud
Ask for me with fervor
Soon you'll hear me knocking at your door
I will come to your aid soon
Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
It's comforting to have someone to rely on
When people can be so cold
In a world where some are unkind
They'll hurt you, and desert you
Where people may cause you pain and abandonment
And take your soul if you let them
And take your spirit if you allow them
You've got a friend
I am here for you no matter what
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
It's reassuring to know that someone is there for you
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend
It's comforting to have someone to count on
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cindyroberts283
Early one Sunday Morning in 1990, I was getting ready to take some pills and drink my water , I had lost all hope. Just when I decided to go on and take the pills the LORD had this song come on. I really liked this song. The LORD came into my room, the HOLY SPIRIT touched me held me and I finally broke and laid out on the LORD I became Born Again, and I haven't looked back. Here it is 2019 and I would have missed so much. The LORD had the Winans shopping in the department store I worked at in Chicago, Marshall Field's. Long story short. I was able to give my testimony to Ron Winans. When I told him I almost took my life and their song came on, he gave me the biggest hug. Love the Winans family.
@mzyotruthnlove8263
All Praises To The Most High for using this song to save your life. I'm so glad you're still here in the land of the living.
@cindyroberts283
@@mzyotruthnlove8263 Thank you for taking the time to read my testimony. God Bless you and yours, and yes it is a Blessing to still be here and ALL the BLESSINGS that God has bestowed upon since 1990. GLORY !!!!!
@brandonhayes4786
Blessings
@meshiastokes499
Amen🙏!!!
@patriciajoy1570
Hallelujah! Glory to God Almighty !🙌 🙏
Bless His Holy Name! I am so thankful to God for saving you.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😃🤗😘🎶🎵✝️🎉
@worshiplibrary7157
If you are reading this message, I wish you to receive what you long for and everything you need. Thousands of blessings to all
@leeannmartin-em8mn
Bless you !
@sofareal4396
THANK YOU FAM... 💯❤👑
RRR
@davidharrison8592
God bless you my friend🙏🏾