Best Friend
Roy Orbison · Essential [2006]
An old man on his death bed whispered to me
You are the master of your destiny
A diamond is a diamond, a stone a stone
But a man's not all good nor all bad
Call them as you see them, you'll stand alone
You're the best friend that you ever had, oh, yeah
You're the best friend that you ever had
So laugh when it's time to laugh
Cry when it's time to cry
Live while it's time to live
You'll die when it's time to die
La, la, la, la, la, la, la ...
Then he closed his eyes and left me alone
My old friend's death brought his wisdom home
A diamond is a diamond, a stone a stone
But a man's not all good nor all bad
Call them as you see them, you'll stand alone
You're the best friend that you ever had, oh, yeah
You're the best friend that you ever had
So laugh when it's time to laugh
Cry when it's time to cry
Live while it's time to live
You'll die when it's time to die
La, la, la, la, la, la, la ...
Best Friend - Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison's "Best Friend" stands as a quintessential example of his signature sound, blending lush orchestration with his distinctive, soaring vocal delivery. Recorded for the Essential [2006] compilation, the track captures the emotional depth and dramatic flair that defined his career during the early 1960s. The song exemplifies Orbison's ability to craft ballads that resonate with themes of enduring connection and vulnerability, utilizing rich harmonies and a sweeping arrangement typical of his era. As a staple of his discography, the recording showcases his mastery of the rock and roll ballad, cementing his legacy as a master of the genre who could elevate simple melodies into profound emotional experiences through his unique vocal technique and compositional style.