Released in 2004
A Friend Like You
Written by Brian Wilson • Steve Kalinich
Last updated on January 16, 2021
Released in 2004
Written by Brian Wilson • Steve Kalinich
Last updated on January 16, 2021
Album This song officially appears on the Gettin' In Over My Head Official album.
Timeline This song was officially released in 2004
This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:
May 20, 2004
Unreleased song
Unreleased song
Paul McCartney contributed to Brian Wilson’s 2004 album, Gettin’ In Over My Head, by playing and singing on the track “A Friend Like You“.
From CNN.com, interview of Brian Wilson by Larry King, August 20, 2004:
LARRY KING: Now how about the meeting with Paul McCartney?
BRIAN WILSON: I talked to Paul McCartney over the years ranging from 1967 to 2004.
LARRY KING: Talked to him in person, you met him and…
BRIAN WILSON: At the landmine show he did “God Only Knows” with me and I did “Let It Be” with him. And then I called him about four months ago asking him if he could come out and do — sing a song called “A Friend Like You,” which I wrote for him, me and my collaborator wrote for him. And he said he’d love to come out. And he came to the studio and that was one of the bigger thrills of my life to tell you the truth, to produce Paul McCartney. And that was a thrill for me. That was a thrill.
LARRY KING: You wrote the song? “A Friend Like You.“
BRIAN WILSON: And the lyrics were written by Steve Kalinich.
LARRY KING: And it was referring to Paul?
BRIAN WILSON: To Paul. Yeah.
LARRY KING: And he sang it?
BRIAN WILSON: Yes he did. He sang some of it. Yes.
LARRY KING: What a thrill that must have been.
BRIAN WILSON: Oh, it was such a thrill!
As I look back at my life
As I move on through the year
Every time I reminisce
One thing rings loud and clear
I'm so grateful
A friend like you
You're the one
Who helps me make it through
All my dreams and
All my hopes to satisfy
I was lost
What could I do?
None of my wishes
Ever came through
You were there
You were there for me
A friend like you
A friend like you
You simplify me
You stand beside me
A friend like you
A friend like you
You mystify me
You lullaby me
You have courage
You risk it all
Pick me up and
Every time I fall
You inspire me
Every day of my life
I was broken
So torn in two
You showed me kindness
Finally you broke through
All my problems
All my troubles just dissolve
A friend like you
A friend like you
You are patient
You are thoughtful
A friend like you
A friend like you
You're so tender
You're so precious
I was crushed
Against the wall
I turned to you
I felt so small
So unselfish
So warm and caring are you
You have courage
You risk it all
Pick me up and
Every time I fall
You inspire me
Every day of my life
As I look back at my life
As I move on through the years
Every time I reminisce
One thing rings out loud and clear
Official album • Released in 2004
3:37 • Studio version • A
Paul McCartney : Acoustic guitar, Vocals
Chaos And Creation In The Backyard - Ultimate Archive Collection
Unofficial album • Released in 2015
3:37 • Studio version • A
Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.
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stephen John Kalinich • 5 years ago
Yes this song was also recorded in UK by Steve Wrigley and Bobby Figuero did a spanish version produced by Rob Bonfiglio .
I am co writer and Co Publisher Stephen John Kalinich Steve Kalinich Music ASCAP
The PaulMcCartney Project • 5 years ago
Thanks a lot Stephen for the insider view !