Who's behind the notes? Discover The Rembrandts: American Pop-Rock Duo
"I'll Be There for You" is a song by The Rembrandts that gained widespread popularity as the theme song for the television sitcom "Friends," which aired from 1994 to 2004. Here are some interesting facts about the song and The Rembrandts:
Creation for "Friends": The song was specifically written and recorded for "Friends." It was chosen as the theme song because the show's creators, David Crane and Marta Kauffman, were fans of The Rembrandts and felt that the song captured the essence of friendship.
Hit Single: Although The Rembrandts had been around since the late 1980s, "I'll Be There for You" became their most well-known and successful single. It reached the top of the charts in several countries and earned them a Grammy nomination.
Catchy Clap Sequence: One of the most memorable elements of the song is the distinctive hand-clapping sequence that occurs at the beginning. This clap became iconic and is instantly recognizable to fans of the show.
Extended Version: The version of the song used as the "Friends" theme is a shortened version of the original. The full-length song has additional verses that were not included in the TV show's opening credits.
Lyrics and References: The lyrics of the song reference the ups and downs of friendship, and they include the famous lines "I'll be there for you, 'cause you're there for me too." The lyrics also mention certain aspects of the show, such as "Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A."—which humorously summarizes the situations of the characters in "Friends."
Success of the Show and Song: The success of "Friends" undoubtedly contributed to the popularity of the song, and vice versa. The show's massive fan base and cultural impact helped propel "I'll Be There for You" to become a widely recognized and beloved tune.
Legacy: Even years after "Friends" concluded, the song continues to be associated with the show and remains a nostalgic piece for fans. The Rembrandts, despite having other songs in their discography, are often strongly identified with this particular track.
"I'll Be There for You" by The Rembrandts remains an enduring symbol of the close-knit friendships depicted on "Friends" and has become an iconic piece of television music history.