Andrew Gold, Thank You for Being a Friend | Throwback Vibez

In the 163rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Thank You for Being a Friend” by Andrew Gold. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 163^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Thank You for Being a Friend” performed by Andrew Gold.

“Thank you for being a friend / Traveled down the road and back again / Your heart is true / You’re a pal and a confidante.” Ooh-wee Andrew Gold (1951 – 2011)!  The late soft rock musician delivered a gem with the friendly, thankful, and infectious “Thank You for Being a Friend”. “Thank You for Being a Friend” is the sixth track from his 1978 album, All This and Heaven Too. Famously, it was used as the theme song for the iconic television series, The Golden Girls.  Cynthia Fee sang the TV theme version.  Ask yourself this question: Is there any finer example of a chosen family than Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia? It’s rhetorical, by the way. Anyways, focusing on “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the song was written and produced by Gold.  One of two top 40 hits for Gold, it peaked at no. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

What makes “Thank You for Being a Friend” the sugar honey iced tea? It’s a well-rounded song that gets a memorable, well-rounded performance.  Andrew Gold sounds exceptional from the onset, showing off his marvelous voice.  Beyond his instrument, the melodies he sings are memorable – tuneful to the nth degree.  The songwriting, particularly the lyrics now immortalized by The Golden Girls, are unforgettable and speak to the authenticity of a legitimate friendship:

“And if you threw a party

Invited everyone you knew

You would see

The biggest gift would be from me

And the card attached would say

‘Thank you for being a friend.’”

Adding to the excellence is the musical accompaniment. The production is bright, joyful, and perfectly supports the friendship that Gold sings about.  Early on, the keys play a crucial role in establishing a rhythmic foundation.  Soon enough, the full rhythm section enters the mix, providing a sound anchor for Gold.  Gold plays keys and percussion, joined by Waddy Wachtel (guitar), Kenny Edwards (bass), and Jeff Porcaro (drums).  Gold, Edwards, and Brock Walsh are the background vocalists, adding colorful harmonies to this timeless cut. “Thank You for Being a Friend” will never not rock !

Andrew Gold // All This and Heaven Too // Elektra / Asylum // 1978

Andrew Gold, Thank You for Being a Friend: Throwback Vibez No. 163 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Elektra / Asylum; OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]