Bruce Cockburn, the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter, has gifted the world with a vast and diverse catalog of songs. Among these gems is “Isn’t That What Friends Are For?”, a poignant track from his 1999 album, Breakfast in New Orleans, Dinner in Timbuktu. This song, often searched for as “that’s what friends are for song”, delves into the depths of friendship, offering solace and understanding in times of personal upheaval. Let’s explore the lyrics and the story behind this comforting anthem of camaraderie.
Delving into the Lyrics: A Poetic Expression of Support
The lyrics of “Isn’t That What Friends Are For?” paint vivid imagery, starting with a “heavy northern autumn sky” and a “mist-hung forest.” These opening lines set a reflective, somewhat melancholic tone, mirroring the emotional landscape of someone facing challenges.
Heavy northern autumn sky
Mist-hung forest —
Dark spruce, bright maple —
And the great lake rolling forever to the narrow gray beach
Cockburn’s words evoke a sense of vastness and the cyclical nature of life (“The world is full of seasons; of anguish, of laughter”). The core message emerges as he addresses a friend directly, acknowledging their pain and offering unwavering support:
Love’s supposed to heal, but it breaks my heart to feel
The pain in your voice —
But you know, it’s all going somewhere
And I would crush my heart and throw it in the street
If I could pay for your choice
This powerful expression of empathy leads to the heart of the song – the repeated refrain:
Isn’t that what friends are for?
Isn’t that what friends are for?
This rhetorical question, posed as a statement, encapsulates the essence of true friendship – being there for someone, offering support without condition, and sharing burdens.
The lyrics further explore the human condition, describing us as “insect life of paradise,” small in the grand scheme of the universe, yet capable of profound connection and love. The imagery shifts to a personal act of care, with the singer metaphorically offering light to dispel darkness in his friend’s life:
I’ve been scraping little shavings off my ration of light
And I’ve formed it into a ball, and each time I pack a bit more onto it
I make a bowl of my hands and I scoop it from its secret cache
Under a loose board in the floor
And I blow across it and I send it to you
Against those moments when
The darkness blows under your door
This beautiful metaphor highlights the small yet significant ways friends can offer comfort and hope during difficult times.
The Story Behind “Isn’t That What Friends Are For?”: Inspiration and Setting
Bruce Cockburn himself has shared the personal inspiration behind “that’s what friends are for song.” In a 1999 interview, he revealed that the song was written for his friend, singer-songwriter Jonatha Brooke. They had been sharing experiences of “upheavals” in their lives and connecting over the phone. The song arose from this shared understanding and the desire to offer support across the miles.
Cockburn further added a geographical dimension to the song’s origin in a 2019 interview, recalling, “I recall sitting on the shore of Lake Nipissing watching the waves roll in. The imagery of North Bay helped shape that song.” The vastness of Lake Nipissing and the northern Ontario landscape seem to have contributed to the song’s reflective and expansive feel.
A Timeless Anthem of Friendship and Support
“Isn’t That What Friends Are For?” resonates deeply because it taps into a universal human need for connection and support. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics offer comfort to anyone navigating life’s challenges, reminding us of the invaluable role of friendship in weathering storms. Whether you are a long-time Bruce Cockburn fan or just discovering his music through searches for “that’s what friends are for song”, this track stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and empathy. It’s a reminder that in a world full of uncertainties, the unwavering support of a friend can be a beacon of hope and strength.
