The song honors Don Myrick, a member of the Phenix Horns who played saxophone on many of Collins' biggest hits. Myrick was killed during a police raid in Los Angeles when an officer mistook a lighter for a weapon.
Recorded entirely by Phil Collins during the Both Sides sessions (1993), where he famously played every instrument himself.
It first surfaced in 1994 as a B-side on the second UK single for "We Wait and We Wonder". 2. Lyrical Themes PHIL COLLINS - FOR A FRIEND (RARE SONG)
Rare performance clips and audio are frequently shared on the Phil Collins Reddit . Phil Collins – For a Friend Lyrics - Genius
The song captures the raw grief and confusion surrounding a sudden loss. Key themes include: The song honors Don Myrick, a member of
In the third verse, Collins questions the official story of the death, with lines like "What did they know? What did they hide?" and "If they told the truth, he might be here today".
Once considered extremely rare, the song is now more accessible: It first surfaced in 1994 as a B-side
The bridge and outro repeat the phrase "We were always laughing," contrasting the tragedy with their shared history. 3. Where to Listen