Can't We Be Friends

Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald

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:
2004
308 
#1

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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


10 facts about this song

Music Genre
"Can't We Be Friends" is a classic jazz standard performed by Frank Sinatra. At the time, Sinatra was a prominent figure in the jazz scene, adding his unique touch to this influential song.
Original Authors
The song was originally written by Paul James (lyrics) and Kay Swift (music) in 1929. Frank Sinatra is one of several artists who have performed their poignant composition.
Album Details
The song is a part of Sinatra's 13th studio album "A Swingin' Affair!", which was released in 1957.
Sinatra’s Interpretation
Sinatra’s rendition of “Can’t We Be Friends” is one of the most acclaimed versions. Sinatra's heartfelt crooning showcases his ability to portray the vulnerability and heartbreak encapsulated in the lyrics.
Recording Context
Sinatra recorded this song during his time with Capitol records, his recording base for almost a decade, from 1953 to 1961.
Collaboration with Nelson Riddle
Sinatra worked with iconic arranger Nelson Riddle on this track, who greatly contributed to the song’s distinctive orchestration and arrangement.
Song Theme
The song, as performed by Sinatra, talks about the aftermath of an unrequited love where the singer is trying to maintain a friendly relationship with his former love interest.
Song's Success
"Can't We Be Friends" never reached the commercial success of some of Sinatra's other hits, but it has been recognized by fans and critics for its emotional depth and Sinatra's emotive performance.
Legacy and Cover Versions
Noticeably, the song has been covered by a myriad of artists throughout the years, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Jamie Cullum, serving as a testament to its enduring appeal and influence in the jazz genre.
Noteworthy Performance
Sinatra performed "Can't We Be Friends" during his legendary Rat Pack performances, alongside Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.

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    "Can't We Be Friends Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7281787/Frank+Sinatra/Can%27t+We+Be+Friends>.

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