| Composer | John Klenner |
| Lyricist | Sam M. Lewis |
| Year Written | 1931 |
About This Song
“Just Friends” was written to be a pop song, but has become a jazz standard for both singers and instrumentalists. It became a hit in 1932 when Russ Columbo recorded it with Leonard Joy’s orchestra. Notable recordings include those by Charlie Parker, Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Oscar Peterson, and many more.
View the lyrics
Just friends, lovers no more
Just friends but not like before
To think of what we’ve been
And not to kiss again
Seems like pretending
It isn’t the ending
Two friends drifting apart
Two friends but one broken heart
We loved, we laughed, we cried
Suddenly love died
The story ended
But we’re just friends
Two friends drifting apart
Two friends but one broken heart
We loved, we laughed, we cried
Suddenly love died
The story ended
But we’re just friends
Recordings
1959
Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon recorded “Just Friends” on October 28, 1959.
CO 63857
Release History
| 1961 | Columbia LP 12″: CS 8242 — Tony Sings For Two |
| 1961 | Columbia LP 12″ (Mono): CL 1446 — Tony Sings For Two |
| 1961 | Philips LP 12″ (Mono): BBL 7479 — Tony Sings For Two |
| 1995 | Sony Music CD: SMSP A 8242 — Tony Sings For Two |
| 2006 | RPM/Columbia/Legacy CD: 82876 87234 — Tony Sings For Two |
| 2011 | Columbia: The Complete Collection — Disc 19— Tony Sings For Two |