That's What Friends Are For was the Irish entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 1975 in Stockholm performed by The Swarbriggs.
The song is in a moderate tempo, with the singers calling on their listeners to help each other in times of need, because "That's what friends are for". The call is made to everyone in the world, rather than just those who know the needy person at the time.
The performance is notable for the fact that the singers wore identical electric blue suits, taking full advantage of the increasing trend towards bright and eye-catching costumes. The song was performed second on the night following the Netherlands and preceding France. At the close of voting, it finished in 9th place with 68 points.
Lyrics[]
When you’re lonely, when you’re blue
When you need someone to talk to, when you need a talkin’ to
And when troubles full and plenty come pilin’ at your door
That’s what friends are for
Ladies and gentlemen of the whole wide world
If every now and then a single voice was heard
Telling it like it should be, makin’ it simple and plain
If that man needs a helpin’ hand, help him in from the rain
Now I know you, know you well
And I know that you’ve been worryin’, it’s not hard for me to tell
But I’m standin’ right beside you, of that you can be sure
That’s what friends are for
Ladies and gentlemen of the whole wide world
If every now and then a single voice was heard
Telling it like it should be, makin’ it simple and plain
If that man needs a helpin’ hand, help him in from the rain
So remember, take your time
Just be sure and let it harmonise, yeah, be sure and let it rhyme
I might call on you to see me through, so open up your door
That’s what friends are for
That’s what friends are for
| Eurovision Song Contest 1975 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Participants | |||
 Teach-In •  The Swarbriggs •  Nicole Rieu •  Joy Fleming •  Geraldine •  Ellen Nikolaysen •  Simone Drexel •  Pepel in Kri •  The Shadows •  Renato •  Ann Christy •  Shlomo Artzi •  Semiha Yankı •  Sophie •  Pihasoittajat •  Duarte Mendes •  Sergio y Estíbaliz •  Lars Berghagen •  Wess & Dori Ghezzi
| |||
| Songs | |||
| Ding-a-Dong • That's What Friends Are For • Et bonjour à toi l'artiste • Ein Lied kann eine Brücke sein • Toi • Touch My Life (With Summer) • Mikado • Dan ljubezni • Let Me Be The One • Singing This Song • Gelukkig zijn • At Va'ani • Seninle Bir Dakika • Une chanson c'est une lettre • Old Man Fiddle • Madrugada • Tú volverás • Jennie, Jennie • Era
| |||
Trivia[]
- The song and its accompanying music video were parodied in the Father Ted episode A Song for Europe with the song My Lovely Horse.
- It was also noted that Jimmy was battling the flu during rehearsals and found it hard to sing.
Videos[]
Eurovision 75 - Ireland
ESC 1975 Ireland preview