Can't We Be Friends?

Frank Sinatra

About Can't We Be Friends?

"Can't We Be Friends?" is a 1929 song with lyrics by Paul James and music by Kay Swift, introduced on Broadway in The Little Show by Libby Holman. It was later recorded by many artists including Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.


Year:
1955
97 
#2

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I took each word she said as gospel truth 
The way a silly little child would
I can't excuse it on the grounds of youth 
I was no babe in the wild, wild wood
She didn't mean it
I should have seen it
But now it's too late

I thought I'd found the girl of my dreams
Now it seems 
This is how the story ends
She's gonna turn me down and say 
"Can't we be friends?"
I thought for once it couldn't go wrong
Not for long
I can see the way this ends
She's gonna turn me down and say 
"Can't we be friends?"
Why should I care though she gave me the air
Why should I cry
Heave a sigh
And wonder why
And wonder why

I thought I found the gal I could trust 
What a bust, this is how the story ends
She's gonna turn me down and say
"Can't we be just friends?"

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Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra, /sɨˈnɑːtrə/, (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and film actor of Italian origin. more »

33 fans

Written by: Kay Swift, Paul James

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Collaborative Effort
The song "Can't We Be Friends?" is a duet, performed by the legendary singers Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. They had a strong mutual admiration that reflected on their impressive collaborations.
Genre
This song falls under the Traditional Pop and Jazz genres, known for their sentimental lyrics and melodic tunes.
Timeframe
"Can't We Be Friends?" was released in the mid-20th century, a time when both Crosby and Sinatra were at the height of their musical careers.
Album Inclusion
The song is a part of their album "A Musical Autobiography," released in 1954, which features a compilation of Sinatra's popular hits.
Track Record
Although it's not known for charting as some of their other songs have, "Can't We Be Friends?" is praised for the harmonious blending of Crosby's and Sinatra's unique vocal styles.
Song Inspiration
(Songwriting): The song "Can't We Be Friends?" originally written by Paul James (lyricist) and Kay Swift (composer) in 1929. It's renowned for its emotional and evocative lyrics revolving around friendship and lost love.
Other Versions
Apart from Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, several other artists and musicians have covered "Can't We Be Friends?" because of its timeless appeal, including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
Film Appearance
This song also made an appearance in the 1932 film "Can't We Be Friends?" starring El Brendel and Russ Brown.
Legacy
"Can't We Be Friends?" has had a significant impact and has been recognized as an important contribution to the Great American Songbook, a collection of the most influential American songs of the 20th century.
Vocal Styles
One interesting factor about this song is that it showcases the contrast between Sinatra's smooth, crooning singing style and Bing Crosby's deep, soothing voice. The harmonization of their distinctive styles adds a unique charm to the song.
Performance
The duet was notably performed live by Sinatra and Crosby on The Frank Sinatra Show in 1957, which was highly appreciated by the audience.
Music Composition
"Can't We Be Friends?" possesses a simple yet appealing tune that perfectly complements its quaint and melancholic lyrics. The interplay of piano, brass instruments, and the stars' vocals contributes to its allure.

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