After time in the Army Reserves, Paxton moved to New York City where he frequented the city's Greenwich Village coffeehouse circuit. His early success in Greenwich Village coffeehouses led to an ever-increasing circle of work. He made his professional debut at the Gaslight, the renowned folk haunt that also issued the singer's first album. In 1962 Gaslight Records would press 2,000 copies of his debut album, I'm The Man Who Built The Bridges.
Paxton also auditioned to join the Chad Mitchell Trio, but although he failed, the group enjoyed a 1963 hit with "The Marvelous Toy," one of Paxton's early songs. Paxton performed at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival, a performance that would be recorded-and released-by Vanguard Records. Paxton would go on to record a second album with Vanguard-at the Newport Folk Festival the following year - but his association with that record company lapsed, and it would not be until the year 2000 that Vanguard once again released a Tom Paxton album, Tom Paxton: Best of the Vanguard Years. In 1964 Paxton was signed to Elektra Records for whom he recorded his best-known work. Then in 1965 he made his first tour of the United Kingdom - the beginning of a still-thriving professional relationship that has included at least one tour in each of the succeeding years.
He and his wife Midge have been married since 1963 and have two daughters, Jennifer and Kate. All three women have served as inspiration for many of Paxton's songs. He now has three grandsons, Christopher, Sean, and Peter.
In addition to songwriting, Tom Paxton has written many critically acclaimed children's books, some of which were inspired by his songs for children.
He has performed thousands of concerts around the world in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Scandinavia, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, England, Scotland, Ireland and Canada. Paxton enjoys a strong relationship with fans throughout the world. His songs have experienced enduring appeal, including modern standards such as "The Last Thing on My Mind" (perhaps Paxton's best-known song, it has been recorded by dozens of artists, including Judy Collins, Sandy Denny, Dolly Parton, and Porter Wagoner), "Ramblin' Boy", "Bottle of Wine", "Whose Garden Was This", "The Marvelous Toy", and "The Hostage" (which recounts the 1971 uprising at Attica State Prison).
In February 2002, Tom Paxton was honored with the ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award in Folk Music. A few days later, he received three Wammies (Washington, DC, Area Music Awards); as Best Male Vocalist in the "traditional folk" and "children's music" categories, and for Best Traditional Folk Recording of the Year for Under American Skies (the duo album he made with Anne Hills in 2001). This was the first Paxton album to receive an award of any kind.
Paxton has been nominated four times for Grammy Awards in his career, all since 2002.
In 2004, the Martin Guitar Company introduced the HD-40LSH Tom Paxton Signature Edition acoustic guitar in his honor.
In 2005, Paxton received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting at BBC Radio 2's Folk Awards at London's Brewery Arts Centre.
In 2006, Paxton received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance.
On January 22, 2007, Paxton was honored with an official UK Parliamentary tribute at the British House of Commons at the start of his 2007 United Kingdom tour.
On May 3, 2008, Paxton was honored with a special lifetime tribute from the World Folk Music Association, and a concert was held at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus, in Alexandria, Virginia.
What a Friend You Are
Tom Paxton Lyrics
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If I had a golden star I'd pin it on you
For seeing it through with me, with me
What a friend indeed
Oh they all but had me[Incomprehensible] till you came along
And you made me strong and free, and free
Before I knew I needed you, you came through
When the luck was bad
When bad luck was all I had and no one cared
You were there
What a special friend
Just the kind who'll never bend or break away
You said you'd stay and here you are
Here you are
When I needed you, you were there
Before I knew I needed you, you came through
When the luck was bad
When bad luck was all I had and no one cared
You were there
What a special friend
Just the kind who'll never bend or break away
You said you'd stay and here you are
Here you are, what a special friend you are
In Tom Paxton's song "What a Friend You Are," the singer is expressing his gratitude for the unwavering support of a close friend. The lyrics use metaphorical language to describe the friend's loyalty and reliability. The statement "If I had a golden star I'd pin it on you" implies that the friend is deserving of the highest possible recognition for their actions. The singer believes that the friend has stayed with him through thick and thin and has helped him become stronger and more capable. The repeated phrase "When I needed you, you were there" emphasizes the friend's availability and willingness to help in times of need.
The song highlights the concept of true friendship, where a friend is always there when needed and never leaves in times of trouble. The repetition of the phrase "here you are" at the end of each verse reinforces this sentiment. The lyrics describe a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for the friend who is being praised.
Overall, "What a Friend You Are" is a touching tribute to the importance of close friendships and the invaluable support they provide in times of need.
Line by Line Meaning
What a friend you are
You are an incredible friend
If I had a golden star I'd pin it on you
You deserve a lot of praise and recognition
For seeing it through with me, with me
For being there for me through thick and thin
What a friend indeed
You are a true friend
Oh they all but had me[Incomprehensible] till you came along
Others almost took advantage of me until you intervened
And you made me strong and free, and free
You empowered me and gave me the freedom to be myself
When I needed you, you were there
You were always available when I needed you
Before I knew I needed you, you came through
You anticipated my needs and helped me before I even asked
When the luck was bad
When things weren't going well
When bad luck was all I had and no one cared
When I was going through a tough time and felt like no one cared
You were there
You were there for me
What a special friend
You are an exceptional friend
Just the kind who'll never bend or break away
You are a steadfast and loyal friend
You said you'd stay and here you are
You promised to stick around and you have
Here you are, what a special friend you are
You truly are an amazing friend
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: THOMAS R PAXTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind