Lyrics Meaning and impact of "Friendship" by Joel Grey & Sutton Foster.
Song credits:
- Producers: Joel Moss & Rob Fisher
- Writer: Cole Porter
- Vocals: Joel Grey & Sutton Foster
- Orchestration: Michael Gibson
- Additional Orchestration: Bill Elliott
- Recording Engineer: Derik Lee
- Released on: August 23, 2011
- Album: Anything Goes (2011 Broadway Cast Recording)
- Track #: 9
- Musical Genre: Broadway, Comedy, Musical
- Language(s): English
- Mood: Playful, Loyal, Comedic
Song meaning.
Theme of Loyalty in Hyperbole:
With lines like “If you ever lose your teeth when you're out to dine / Borrow mine,” the lyrics spin whimsical, cartoon-like metaphors to paint a portrait of unwavering support. Each absurd scenario—from jail bailouts to spine-cracking and cannibal stews—escalates the commitment joke to ridiculous heights.Structure and Stage Energy:
Call-and-response phrasing builds a vaudeville rhythm, while musical motifs punctuate the gags. The laughter is embedded not only in the lyrics but in the delivery: exaggerated voices, interruptions, and breaking the fourth wall enhance the fun.Humor as Emotional Bridge:
Behind the slapstick surface lies a genuine warmth. Their banter, bickering, and off-script arguing toward the end mimic real-life closeness. It’s a celebration of enduring connection, especially among oddballs who find kinship in chaos.Which songs share same themes?
- "Bosom Buddies" from Mame by Jerry Herman: This iconic number echoes "Friendship" with its playful jabs between two women who bicker as much as they bond. The witty repartee and comic timing build on exaggerated promises and passive-aggressive compliments, making both songs staples of humorous friendship anthems in musical theatre.
- "Anything You Can Do" from Annie Get Your Gun by Irving Berlin: The battle-of-the-sexes dynamic between two rivals here parallels the push-pull camaraderie of Grey and Foster. While it’s more competitive than affectionate, the duet plays with similar theatrical call-and-response structure and playful antagonism.
- "Friend Like Me" from Aladdin by Alan Menken: Although more fantastical, Genie’s over-the-top offers of magical loyalty mirror the absurd pledges in "Friendship". Both pieces are driven by hyperbole and stage charisma, showing just how funny and reassuring friendship can be—even when wrapped in chaos and cartoonery.
Questiong and Answers.
- Why is “Friendship” considered a comedic classic?
- Its over-the-top metaphors, clever call-and-response, and built-in ad-lib potential give performers room to personalize it while keeping audiences laughing and charmed.
- Is this a love song?
- No, it's a love song to friendship — a musical hug between two eccentric characters. It celebrates loyalty, not romance, with slapstick affection and sardonic cheer.
- What’s the significance of the ending argument?
- The faux-spat adds realism and layers. It makes the friendship feel genuine, showing that even true companions squabble—and that’s what makes it great.
Which awards and chart positions did composition Achieve?
While not a charting hit in the traditional sense, “Friendship” remains one of Cole Porter’s most enduring comedic numbers. Its revival in *Anything Goes* helped solidify the production’s Tony-winning success and showcased the charisma of Joel Grey and Sutton Foster in their electric stage chemistry.Fan and Media Reactions.
“They don’t just sing together—they *spark*. It’s musical theatre magic.”Broadway Bulletin
“Friendship might be the funniest, most loving insult-fest I’ve ever heard.”StageLine Reviews
“Every lyric feels like an inside joke between best friends.”Theatre Lover's Gazette
“Grey and Foster are perfectly mismatched—like gin and a whoopee cushion.”NY Musical Beat
“This song proves you can roast someone and still be their ride-or-die.”Audience Comment at Opening Night