The song is an emotional
ballad and was written in the memory of
Mark Ashton,[2] a friend of
Jimmy Somerville and
Richard Coles.[3] Mark Hooper of The Rough Guide to Rock writes that this cut may be Somerville's "most impassioned moment".[2] "For a Friend" reached number 28 on the British charts.[4]
In media
The official
music video for the song was directed by
Andy Morahan.[5]
In 2014, the song was featured on the soundtrack to the film Pride.[6] It was also one of the songs played at
Burberry’s February 2018 show, presented on 17 February at the Dimco Buildings in West London, marking
Christopher Bailey’s final outing for the brand.[7]
Track and format listing
7" Vinyl - LON 166 (UK)
No.
Title
Length
1.
"For a Friend"
4:35
2.
"Victims (Live)"
5:08
For a Friend 12" Vinyl - London LONX 166 (UK)
No.
Title
Length
1.
"For a Friend"
2.
"Victims (Live)"
3.
"Don't Leave Me This Way (Live)"
4.
"Heavens Above"
For a Friend 12" Vinyl - London LONY 166 (UK)
No.
Title
Length
1.
"For a Friend (Remix)"
2.
"You Are My World (Live)"
3.
"So Cold The Night (Live)"
4.
"Victims (Live)"
For a Friend 12" Vinyl Promo - London LOXDJ 166 (UK)