“I’ll Be There for You” is a feel-good pop-rock song by American duo The Rembrandts, released in May 1995 as the theme song for the hit TV sitcom Friends. Written by band members Phil Sōlem and Danny Wilde, along with sitcom Friends producers David Crane and Marta Kauffman, composer Michael Skloff, and songwriter Allee Willis, the song became one of the most recognizable TV theme songs of all time.
Lyrically, I’ll Be There for You is about friendship, loyalty, and support, perfectly capturing the theme of the show. Lines like “I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour” reinforce the idea of standing by your friends through life’s ups and downs, which aligned seamlessly with the sitcom’s storyline.
The song is an upbeat mix of jangle pop and power pop, featuring catchy guitar riffs, clapping rhythms, and an energetic chorus. Its bright, cheerful melody and singalong-friendly nature made it instantly appealing.
Initially, the song was only recorded as a short TV theme, but due to overwhelming demand, The Rembrandts expanded it into a full-length single. It became a huge hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart and staying there for eight weeks. It was also a top 10 hit in multiple countries, cementing its status as a 90s classic.