When You Got a Good Friend

Robert Johnson

About When You Got a Good Friend

"When You Get a Good Friend" is a blues song recorded on November 23, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas by legendary bluesman Robert Johnson. The song was unissued until 1961, when it was included on the LP King of the Delta Blues Singers. Johnson performed the song in the key of E, and recorded two takes, the second of which was used for the LP. Both takes are included on the album The Complete Recordings. The song uses the melody made popular by the hit record M & O Blues by Walter Davis. Johnson composed two songs to this melody - "Ramblin' On My Mind" and "When You Got A Good Friend" - with different musical approaches and different guitar tunings, although both were in the key of E. Eric Clapton recorded the song for the 2004 album Me and Mr. Johnson. 


Year:
2004
2:38
50 

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When you got a good friend, that will stay right by your side
When you got a good friend, that will stay right by your side
Give her all of your spare time, love and treat her right

I mistreated my baby, and I can't see no reason why
I mistreated my baby, but I can't see no reason why
Every time I think about it, I just wring my hands and cry

Wonder could I to bear apologize, or would she sympathize with me?
Mmm-mmm-mmm, would she sympathize with me?
She's a brown-skin woman, just as sweet as a girlfriend can be

Mmm-mmm, babe, I may be right or wrong
Baby, it's your opinion, oh, I may be right or wrong
Watch your close friend, baby, then your enemies can't do you no harm

When you got a good friend, that will stay right by your side
When you got a good friend, that will stay right by your side
Give her all of your spare time, love and treat her right

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Robert Johnson

Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938) was an American blues singer and musician. His landmark recordings from 1936–37 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. Johnson's shadowy, poorly documented life and death at age 27 have given rise to much legend, including the Faustian myth that he sold his soul at a crossroads to achieve success. As an itinerant performer who played mostly on street corners, in juke joints, and at Saturday night dances, Johnson had little commercial success or public recognition in his lifetime. more »

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Written by: ROBERT JOHNSON

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"When You Got a Good Friend" is a song by Robert Johnson, an American blues singer-songwriter and musician. Johnson, who is known as the "King of the Delta Blues Singers," recorded this song in 1936 and it was released in 1937.
Recordings
It was one of the original 29 songs Johnson recorded in two sessions held in San Antonio, Texas, in 1936. The song is also included in his compilation album "King of the Delta Blues Singers" released in 1961 by Columbia Records.
Tuning
The song is played in a unique alternate tuning called "open G tuning." It allowed a guitar to be strummed open for a G major chord, facilitating complex fingerstyle and slide techniques Johnson is renowned for in blues genre.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "When You Got A Good Friend" epitomize the themes of love, betrayal, and loneliness which are common in Johnson's compositions.
Remakes
This song has been covered by several artists over the years. Notably, Eric Clapton covered "When You Got a Good Friend" on his 2004 album Me and Mr. Johnson, which is a tribute to Robert Johnson.
Historical Significance
It showcases Johnson's innovative guitar style and his profound impact on blues music. The song is a testament to Johnson's influence and legacy, which resonates in today's blues and rock music.
Album Cover
On the cover of the album "King of the Delta Blues Singers," where "When You Got a Good Friend" is included, there's one of the only two confirmed pictures of Robert Johnson, making it historical in itself.
Induction
The song is a part of the album that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, in the "Traditional Blues" category.
Mystery
Johnson's life and death remain shrouded in mystery, adding an allure to his music including "When You Got a Good Friend". While he lived from 1911 to 1938, most of his songs, including this one, were written in the last three years of his life.
Myth
According to one of the most enduring myths in American music, Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his incredible talent. Therefore, "When You Got A Good Friend", like many of his songs, is often interpreted through a metaphysical lens.

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