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MY FRIEND HAD A REAL BAD TIME

from DEMOS by Rick Berlin

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about

When asked how I’m doing these days my usual answer is ‘I’m fine. Other than car trouble and a new pair of hearing aids that fall out of my ears like dead wasps, I’m ok. It’s my friends or my family who are experiencing a rough patch.

Although this song is about a particular friend, it could, with a couple of lyric changes, apply to others. As their friend I’m never sure what might be the helpful approach. But, in a way, it’s simple. Just be there for ‘em. They know.

lyrics

MY FRIEND HAD A REAL BAD TIME

my friend had a
a real bad time
my friend
he had a real bad time
oh yeah
gonna help him
gonna hold the line
oh oh

got a text the other day
what i gonna do?
not happy news, ya know
what i gonna do?
his wife ,heh
gonna leave him
what i gonna do?
n his kid’s?
is in trouble
damn

give him a lift
give him a hand
give him a smile

my friend had a
a real bad time
my friend
he had a real bad time
oh yeah
gonna help him
gonna hold the line
oh oh

i i was at a loss ya know
what i gonna do?
i i always have something t say but
not always helpful
what i gonna do?
hmm ya know
just listen maybe that’s what t do
listen
what i gonna do?
let him know
ya know
i love the dude

give him a lift
give him a hand
give him a smile

my friend had a
a real bad time
my friend
he had a real bad time
oh yeah
gonna help him
gonna hold the line
oh oh oh

i know this guy
forever it seems
what i gonna do?
well before he got married
well before he had kids
what i gonna do?
he’s a smart dude, man
artist
what i gonna do?
i know ill send him some good vibes
like a like a hippie, ya know
that’s what i am
i know
i know i know i know
what i gonna do?
i know just the thing
ya know i
just stand by
what i gonna do?
have his back
in my quiet way
not a loud way
ßwhat i gonna do?
he knows
he’ll be fine
‘course he will…

credits

from DEMOS, released November 18, 2012
GBand selfie

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Rick Berlin (now playing w/ THE NICKEL & DIME BAND) Jamaica Plain

A giant on the Boston music scene. His colorful songwriting + strong stage presence have influenced countless other artists since the early 1970s. He continues to make music w/ intelligence + integrity, building an international reputation around his knotty, singular piano playing, straight-from-the-heart singing and a style of character-based songwriting that's drawn comparisons to Waits + Cohen ... more

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