Composition
"Anytime You Need a Friend" is a mid-tempo song which draws influence from pop, R&B and gospel musical genres. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, the song is written in the key of C major, while the beat is set in the signature of common time, which moves at a moderate pace of 83 beats per minute. It has a sequence of Am/C–Bm7(no5)–E7/G♯–Am as its chord progression. Carey's vocals in the song span over three octaves, from the low note of an E3 to the high note of a B♭6. The song was written by Carey and Afanasieff, with production helmed by the pair as well. After the song's bridge, a church choir is introduced and featured throughout its final chorus and climax. Carey's vocals are layered over the background gospel-styled vocals on the final chorus, after which she uses the whistle register to close the song. The song's lyrics describe a relationship the protagonist has with another individual, telling them that anytime they need a friend, she will be there unconditionally.
Throughout the song, the lyrics seemingly show the evolving relationship between the couple. Carey sings Anytime you need a friend / I will be here / You'll never be alone again / So don't you fear / Even if you're miles away / I'm by your side / So don't you ever be lonely / Love will make it alright, which hints at a current friendship where more still uncovered emotions are present. Author Chris Nickson explains on the song's switch in relationship, as the lyrics change to If you just believe in me / I will love you endlessly / Take my hand / Take me into your heart / I'll be there forever baby / I won't let go / I'll never let go. The protagonist is willing to accept the relationship as only a friend, but tells her partner that no matter his feelings for her, she loves him and still wishes to be loved by him, something she will never forget or "let go."
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