“I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts

As you have probably already deduced via this track’s association with the television show “Friends”, it is in fact based on friendship. More specifically the addressee is portrayed as someone who is generally down on his or her luck. And what the singer, a loyal friend, is telling this person, as is clearly yet metaphorically stated in the chorus, is that throughout his or her hardships he “will be there for” this individual as a shoulder to lean on.

For those of you who may actually be familiar with the storyline of “Friends”, one popular theory behind this song is that it was written specifically from the perspective of the character Ross (who is portrayed by David Schwimmer). And in such case, the addressee would actually be Rachel (Jennifer Aniston). We won’t go into exquisite detail concerning that hypothesis. However, once again readers who actually know these characters, if they were to study the lyrics, would discover certain similarities between the person being sung to and Rachel. For instance, we know that as the series began, Rachel was indeed “broke” and basically working at a dead-end job.

But regardless of the specifics of the situation, the bottom line is that the narrator is making an assurance to the addressee. And what he is telling this individual is that even though he/she may be going through an unfortunate era of their life, he will be by his/her side as he’s always been.

Music Video

The six-core cast members of “Friends” are actually featured on the music video to this song. The video was directed by seasoned video director, Sean Alquist.

Facts about “I’ll Be There for You”

“I’ll Be There for You” is actually better known as ‘the theme song from Friends’. “Friends” is the popular television sitcom that ran for a decade beginning in 1994. Thus this track actually debuted with the show that very year.

In fact “I’ll Be There for You” was originally 45-seconds long. However, due to the way it blew up alongside “Friends”, The Rembrandts then re-recorded it at a more-standard, approximately three-minute length.

The song was then officially released by East West Records and Atlantic Records on the 1st of May 1995. And it was also featured on The Rembrandts’ third album, which is entitled “L.P.”.

“I’ll Be There For You” topped two Billboard charts – Adult Contemporary and Mainstream Top 40. And the song also scored a number one on Canada Top Singles and the Scottish Singles Chart.

In terms of the Hot 100 itself, it managed to make it to number 17. However, it fared better across the pond, where it reached number 3 (British Singles Charts). All in all, it charted in 15 nations, including going Platinum in the United States, Canada and Norway.

Who wrote “I’ll Be There for You”?

The writers of this song are as follows:

• Allee Willis
• David Crane
• Marta Kaufmann
• Phil Solem
• The Rembrandts (Danny Wilde and Phil Solem)

And the track was produced by producer Kevin Bright along with its co-writers Crane and Kaufmann.