Old Friends Lyrics - Merrily We Roll Along

Old Friends Lyrics

Old Friends

MARY
Here's to us ?

FRANK
Who's like us?

CHARLEY
Damn few.

FRANK
Hey, old friend,
Are you okay, old friend?
What do you say, old friend,
Are we or are we unique?
Time goes by,
Everything else keeps changing.
You and I,
We get continued next week.

Most friends fade
Or they don't make the grade.
New one's are quickly made
And in a pinch, sure, they'll do.
But us, old friend,
What's to discuss, old friend?
Here's to us ? who's like us?
Damn few!

CHARLEY
So, old friends,
Fill me in slow, old friends ?
Start from hello, old friends,
I want the when, where and how.
Old friends do
Tend to become old habit ?
Never knew
How much I missed you till now.

ALL THREE
Most friends fade
Or they don't make the grade.
New ones are quickly made,
Some of them worth something, too.
But us, old friends ?
What's to discuss, old friends? ?

FRANK
Tell you something:
Good friends point out your lies,
Whereas old friends live and let live.

MARY
Good friends like and advise,
Whereas old friends love and forgive.

FRANK
And old friends let you go your own way ?

CHARLEY
Help you find your own way ?

MARY
Let you off when you're wrong ?

FRANK
If you're wrong ?

CHARLEY
When you're wrong ?

MARY
Right or wrong, the point is:
Old friends shouldn't care if you're wrong ?

FRANK
Should, but not for too long ?

CHARLEY
What's too long?

FRANK
If you're wrong ?

CHARLEY
When you're wrong ?

MARY
The thing is:
Old friends do leave their brands on you,
But old friends shouldn't compete.

FRANK
Old friends don't make demands on you ?

CHARLEY
Should make demands on you ?

FRANK
Well, don't make demands you can't meet.

CHARLEY
Well, what's the
Point of demands you can meet?

MARY
Well, there's a
Time for demands,
Whether you meet them or not ?

(They squabble.)

ALL
Hey, old friends,
How do we stay old friends?
Who is to say, old friends,
How an old friendship survives?
One day chums
Having a laugh a minute,
One day comes
And they're a part of your lives.

New friends pour
Through the revolving door ?
Maybe there's one that's more.
If you find one, that'll do.
But us, old friends,
What's to discuss, old friends?
Here's to us!
Who's like us?

Two old friends,
Fewer won't do, old friends ?
Gotta have two old friends
Helping you balance along:
One upbraids you
For your faults and fancies,
One persuades you
That the other one's wrong.

Most friends fade
Or they don't make the grade.
New ones are quickly made,
Perfect as long as they're new.
But us, old friends,
What's to discuss, old friends?
Here's to us!
Who's like us?
Damn few!


Song Words Meaning and Impact of "Old Friends" by Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe & Lindsay Mendez.

Old Friends song video by Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe & Lindsay Mendez
Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez performing the 'Old Friends' song in the music video.

Song Credits:

  • Featuring Artists: Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, Lindsay Mendez
  • Producers: David Caddick, David Lai
  • Composer and Lyricist: Stephen Sondheim
  • Release Date: November 15, 2023
  • Musical Genre: Broadway Musical
  • Album: Merrily We Roll Along (New Broadway Cast Recording)
  • Language: English

Song Meaning.

Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe & Lindsay Mendez performing song Old Friends
Performance of 'Old Friends' by Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe & Lindsay Mendez in the music video.

Overview:

"Old Friends" is a poignant number from Stephen Sondheim's musical Merrily We Roll Along, which explores the complexities of friendship over time. The song reflects on the enduring nature of true companionship amidst life's changes.

History and Inspiration:

Merrily We Roll Along debuted in 1981, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The narrative, told in reverse chronology, examines how ambition and choices impact friendships over two decades.

Song Structure and Themes:

The song features a conversational exchange among the characters Frank, Charley, and Mary, highlighting their deep bond. The recurring phrase, "Who's like us? Damn few," emphasizes the rarity and value of their friendship.

Interpretation of Song Parts:

- Opening Lines: Frank initiates with, "Hey, old friend, are you okay, old friend?" This greeting underscores concern and familiarity. - Reflection on Time: The lyrics, "Time goes by, everything else keeps changing," acknowledge life's constant evolution, yet their friendship remains a constant. - Contrast with Other Friendships: Lines like, "Most friends fade, or they don't make the grade," contrast fleeting relationships with their enduring bond. - Acceptance of Flaws: The song acknowledges imperfections, stating, "Old friends let you go your own way—help you find your own way," highlighting unconditional support.

Which Songs Share Similar Messages?

Thumbnail from Old Friends song video by Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe & Lindsay Mendez
A screenshot from the 'Old Friends' music video, capturing the mood and meaning of the song.
  1. "Friendship" from Anything Goes: This classic tune celebrates the unwavering bond between friends, using witty lyrics to emphasize loyalty and camaraderie. The upbeat tempo and playful banter mirror the enduring nature of true friendship.
  2. "For Good" from Wicked: A heartfelt duet where two characters reflect on how their friendship has profoundly changed them for the better. The emotional delivery and sincere lyrics highlight the transformative power of close relationships.
  3. "What About Your Friends" by TLC: This R&B track questions the reliability of friends, exploring themes of trust and loyalty. Its candid lyrics and catchy rhythm resonate with anyone evaluating the strength of their friendships.

Questions and Answers.

What is the significance of the recurring phrase "Who's like us? Damn few!" in the song?
This phrase underscores the uniqueness and rarity of the trio's bond, suggesting that such deep connections are uncommon.
How does "Old Friends" reflect the overarching themes of Merrily We Roll Along?
The song encapsulates the musical's exploration of enduring friendships amidst personal and professional changes, highlighting both the strengths and challenges within long-term relationships.
In what ways does the song address the imperfections within friendships?
The lyrics acknowledge that true friends accept each other's flaws, offering support and forgiveness, which adds depth to their connection.
Scene from Old Friends track by Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe & Lindsay Mendez
Visual effects scene from 'Old Friends' enhancing the experience of the song words and music.

Awards and Chart Positions.

As of now, specific awards and chart positions for this rendition of "Old Friends" have not been documented.

Fan and Media Reactions.

The revival of Merrily We Roll Along has garnered positive attention, with audiences praising the chemistry among the lead actors. Critics have lauded the production for its fresh take on Sondheim's work, bringing renewed interest to the musical.
At its essence, Merrily We Roll Along has always been a show about growing up and the ways in which time, influence, and ambition shape our fate.
BroadwayWorld


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Musical: Merrily We Roll Along. Song: Old Friends. Broadway musical soundtrack lyrics. Song lyrics from theatre show/film are property & copyright of their owners, provided for educational purposes