There
(c) 2003 Noel Katz

Best Man (Sandy) enters.

When you asked me to be your best man, I was filled with glee
Such a honor, such a responsibility, and you've chosen me
I live on the West Coast, but I didn't think twice
I said "I'll be there"
Because I'm always there.
      (Spoken:)    That's how it goes, with friends of nearly 30 years...

When you needed a date for your senior prom, I was there
We weren't in love, but we slept on the beach, happy there
And all throughout those years
When those hoped-for romances never bloomed
I was there, saying "Someday"

When you finally lost your virginity, I was there
Well, I don't mean exactly, I was there, but you told me about it
And I shared in your elation of dreams finally coming true
And oh, my friend, it was a thrill for me, too

When you didn't quite know what to do with your life, I was there
As a shining example of someone who didn't know what to do with her life, I was there
And when you went and got your heart broken
And it seemed your whole world fell apart
I was there, to help heal you heart.

I was there to give you your one and only ride on a motorcycle
Up and down the hills of San Francisco
You were there, with your arms around me, holding on for dear life!

Come to think of all the things that have ever happened to me, you were there
Way back when I lost my virginity, you were there
Well, not exactly there, but I shared the news, and I'm sure you shared in my  joy
Whatever happened to that boy?

When I went off to college in a small square state, you were there
You came to visit me and I turned you on...
To Jean-Paul Sartre                (Spoken:)  What were you guys thinking?

And you flew out to celebrate my marriage, lifting a champagne glass
And then when marriage kicked me in the ass, you were there.

When I went back to school, I wasn't young but you were there
And after much too many years when I hadn't sung, you were there
Playing songs, and listening, and telling me I was good
And when the theatre bug bit me again you said I could

Have I gone on too long?  Certainly!
But you're the one who wrote this song
And looking out there I see
Friends who've known you longer than you've known me
I can't speak for the entire West Coast crowd
But I'd venture a guess, we're all proud

To promise that whatever the future brings, we'll be there
For the happy times and the tragic things, we'll be there
When you get around to having children
When you get around to buying a home
We'll be there
To celebrate

So, in a way, we're making vows too: We'll be there
In sickness and in health, we'll visit you: We'll be there
And wherever life may lead you,
Though I suspect it will always be New York
We will share the good times
We will share the bad times
We share the joy of your marriage to Joy
And until the end of time
We'll be there.