When You Got a Good Friend
Robert Johnson
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
When you got a good friend, that will stay right by your side When you got a good friend, that will stay right by your side Give her all of your spare time, love and treat her right I mistreated my baby, and I can't see no reason why I mistreated my baby, but I can't see no reason why Every time I think about it, I just wring my hands and cry Wonder could I to bear apologize, or would she sympathize with me? Mmm-mmm-mmm, would she sympathize with me? She's a brown-skin woman, just as sweet as a girlfriend can be Mmm-mmm, babe, I may be right or wrong Baby, it's your opinion, oh, I may be right or wrong Watch your close friend, baby, then your enemies can't do you no harm When you got a good friend, that will stay right by your side When you got a good friend, that will stay right by your side Give her all of your spare time, love and treat her right
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: ROBERT JOHNSON
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"When You Got a Good Friend" is a song by Robert Johnson, an American blues singer-songwriter and musician. Johnson, who is known as the "King of the Delta Blues Singers," recorded this song in 1936 and it was released in 1937.
|
RecordingsIt was one of the original 29 songs Johnson recorded in two sessions held in San Antonio, Texas, in 1936. The song is also included in his compilation album "King of the Delta Blues Singers" released in 1961 by Columbia Records.
|
TuningThe song is played in a unique alternate tuning called "open G tuning." It allowed a guitar to be strummed open for a G major chord, facilitating complex fingerstyle and slide techniques Johnson is renowned for in blues genre.
|
LyricsThe lyrics of "When You Got A Good Friend" epitomize the themes of love, betrayal, and loneliness which are common in Johnson's compositions.
|
RemakesThis song has been covered by several artists over the years. Notably, Eric Clapton covered "When You Got a Good Friend" on his 2004 album Me and Mr. Johnson, which is a tribute to Robert Johnson.
|
Historical SignificanceIt showcases Johnson's innovative guitar style and his profound impact on blues music. The song is a testament to Johnson's influence and legacy, which resonates in today's blues and rock music.
|
Album CoverOn the cover of the album "King of the Delta Blues Singers," where "When You Got a Good Friend" is included, there's one of the only two confirmed pictures of Robert Johnson, making it historical in itself.
|
InductionThe song is a part of the album that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, in the "Traditional Blues" category.
|
MysteryJohnson's life and death remain shrouded in mystery, adding an allure to his music including "When You Got a Good Friend". While he lived from 1911 to 1938, most of his songs, including this one, were written in the last three years of his life.
|
MythAccording to one of the most enduring myths in American music, Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his incredible talent. Therefore, "When You Got A Good Friend", like many of his songs, is often interpreted through a metaphysical lens.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"When You Got a Good Friend Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22684804/Robert+Johnson/When+You+Got+a+Good+Friend>.
Discuss the When You Got a Good Friend Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In