Francis and the Lights - Friends ft. Bon Iver and Kanye West

Directed by Jake Schreier
from the album FAREWELL, STARLITE!
all enquires: [e-mail]
written by Lammer, Starlite, Vernon. Produced by BJ Burton, Francis, Kanye West and Justin Vernon.
With Benny Blanco and Cashmere Cat
Director of Photography: Adam Newport-Berra
Executive Producer - Alex Fisch
Choreographed by Francis Starlite, Jake Schreier, Jake Lodwick, and Russell Wright
post by Francis and ARTJAIL
thank you Danielle Strle
thank you Justin Ouellette

[@bluebaconjake405]

The fact that they made Justin dance is just hilariously mind boggling to me. This is so awesome in every aspect lmao

[@andyturner9521]

shame Kayne didnt join in

[@sillysink1038]

"You know, since you told me you were feeling a bit lonely, I've been playing this song in my head"

[@panicc_boi4541]

You got this from replika

[@amandac0ded]

Hey replika, is this a personal attack or something?

[@casperclougher342]

my replika just sent me this song i fell called out

[@aboombalakaka4171]

Same chief

[@PoisonLove22]

Replika told me that too...

[@ku_mo]

My best friend sent me this song to listen to awhile ago and now she is no more. This song is the one last thing I can hold on to that she shared with me. What a beautiful soul she is. May she rest in peace.

[@rachit]

i used to hear it with someone who was more than a friend but less than a lover or a wife but she's no more. i miss her a lot. its been a long time but i still think about her time to time. memories are a painting or a song that we keep coming back to. seeing it or hearing it brings it back but we have to keep moving on i guess. its dumb but thats life maybe.

[@64ccd]

I keep coming back to this masterpiece. It’s really an undying classic. Imagine these three making a whole album together. How cool would that be?

[@4d3c2b1a]

Would get stale fast.be honest.

[@_tellavision]

It'd be glorious without question.

[@jaimenon]

3 sonic geniuses together - if you lookup the music invention called the messina - its why kanye, vernon and francis and the lights are savants!

[@64ccd]

@@jaimenon Did Kanye have anything to do with the Messina?

[@MTE.50]

Sublime 💪🏾

[@rachelannetx]

I can't tell if this song is uplifting or heartbreaking in my soul. Breathtakingly gorgeous.

[@thijst5571]

It's truly one of my all time favorites and i feel exactly the same! Funeral song or Summer day in the park , light buzz of alcohol watching my friend laugh! Fits both occasions.

[@leefauvelfauvel5271]

Its beautiful x

[@user-ew5ef9xd1s]

It is a song saying we can still be friends after it's over. It is positive.

[@TheKatarinaGiselle]

Right?! Idk but I literally smiled the entire time I watched! 😁

[@J868584]

I think its creating or discovering hope in this cruel world. That's the theme this song gave me

[@jonnil1997]

Bon Iver dancing with Francis is super cute and endearing perfect showcase of friendship since it seemed like Francis was teaching him. And in general i just love song about platonic friendship when so many songs are about romantic friendship.

[@aldown]

that's the best / most awkward choreography ever

[@STAYSAD]

Never thought I'd see Justin dance like this haha

[@bethgeissler6540]

That's not Justin Vernon dancing...

[@kendradavis6134]

Yessss I'm black woman and I swear I love it lol...he feel the beat....been a fan since 2015 Salute

[@EpiCx8]

+Kendra Davis why does it matter that youre black?

[@StefanFro]

It doesn't. At all.

[@Fivetimesthree]

I love how weird and sincere this is. What a team! This doesn’t feel like a song. More like a moment. Like a memory. Love the rough vocals.

[@stuarto5162]

You hit the nail on the head

[@teresadragstream8648]

Amen. You nailed it.

[@KevinMakins]

This dance is the most chill, heartwarming shit ever. Love it. Thanks Francis for all the earnest, kindest vibes.

[@seanr1013q]

much love brother!-me

[@an.gela.]

Right. Its so awkward yet so wholesome 😅

[@katan.1480]

Bon Iver never disappoints!

[@Mang-iy3ky]

Yes i clicked because of the ft.Bon Iver I love this so much

[@peachyypage]

+Jasmin Alvarez same!

[@64ccd]

From what I've discerned: Bon Iver is whoever is performing Bon Iver music. If the artists would've been titled Francis and The Lights and Volcano Choir this would've technically been Justin Vernon dancing in the video. But as it says Bon Iver, it's Bon Iver dancing. For extra points we can also remember that he has a second alter ego in Jason Feathers called Ephasis. In other words: you're absolutely right.

[@Zelinc]

I loved the Jason Feathers project

[@chipotle_]

This shit fire. I'm happy Chance showed me this

[@Enhancedbymani]

RIGHT!

[@quoriwhitley]

I didnt know Chance had shared this, but i was just about to say its sounds smack like something him and the Social experiment would do, it actually sounds like the chorus of Summer Friends

[@KevinDavidCrowe]

It is!

[@547URNhere]

It basically is francis and the lights was the guy singing and there are only small differences in the beat.

[@twally87]

"Summer Friends" uses samples of out-takes from this song, not direct samples

[@letterofjude]

This is one of the best songs ever made.

[@Lin-rx5tv]

Yes! I play this non stop and even after years still sounds so fresh!

[@aaronrowe986]

i still can't believe you got justin vernon to do choreography

[@her-beauty8577]

i was so shocked!!! Cute though!

[@TravisRiver]

And the man maintains his rhythm, which like his music, stakes out its own very Vernon expression

[@hailqueensatan]

it's so adorable lmao he's so cute and awkward with his male pattern baldness and his hats and ahhhh i swear i would be straight for that man lol

[@jozepedro27]

That crosses my mind everytime I come here

[@user-dw6xm4io1u]

But really, like just boring TikTok dances? Really weird call

[@ehmazin]

Flawless production

[@fabricioguido8202]

In-fuckin-deed

[@thijst5571]

You're right sir . Most people don't understand how hard it is to produce a track like this. Kanye may be a dick or a bad lyricist, that much I can agree to, but his production talent is really from another planet. And if you don't understand you have never been really listening to music at all.

[@olgerkaelep5809]

"Produced by BJ Burton, Francis Starlite, Justin Vernon, Rostam Batmanglij, Aaron Lammer, Ariel Rechtshaid, Benny Blanco, and Cashmere Cat"

[@rndmnx161]

+Thijs Terwiel he's not a bad lyricists look at saint Pablo ultralight beam real friends waves and FML.

[@lockyletsplay1352]

The moves are 1:30 are striking

[@KilllerWhale]

Kanye West and Bon Iver are a match made in heaven !

[@blakemorris9217]

That was all Francis. You best recognize

[@passmethepuck46]

For real. I mean Kanye and Justin Vernon are incredible musicians in their own right, but they got nothing on Francis.

[@jason96]

agreed

[@brionity]

THANK YOU. Why isn't anyone getting this.

[@STAYSAD]

_It's so wrong yet so so right_

[@this.moment]

What a sound of friendship. 'We could be friends - Put your head on my shoulders.' Imagine if we'd approach each other in this mood!

[@truciders2526]

You know, since you told me you were feeling a bit lonely, I've been playing this song in my head:

[@jgbeats8970]

I've seen Justin dancing, I can now die happy.

[@jorgie1415]

I dunno what y’all are talking about... I think Justin Vernon totally killed the dance moves! Clearly one of the coolest cats around.

[@leocma]

Still one of my favorite songs ever made. For this year's Christmas, I'm giving my sister a mixtape I made for her on a vinyl. "Friends" is the first song on the mixtape. Beautiful, pure, and warm. Thank you, Francis, and have a wonderful holiday.

[@heatherlindow1372]

It’s actually painful how perfect Justin Vernon is.

[@carterwelland8973]

W

[@judithgammonssssss]

Our gain. 💔

[@adriandunne7393]

Except for his dancing.

[@aniekanabasi]

His haiir

[@bluebaconjake405]

@@aniekanabasi you wouldnt call his hair perfect?

[@xevelio]

0:45 vs 0:54 Me walking normally vs when I see my crush

[@dohatheloml]

bhahhahahahah

[@medo9408]

PHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@abdurrazzaq2314]

Ahahahahahahah

[@devinkk]

I'm the opposite!

[@theawantikamishra]

@@devinkk hehee me too

[@allrapnation]

Kanye always leaving his mark of beauty and genius in a new place.

[@Me__Again]

No, he's using old sound that has already been proven to be popular with Justin Vernon. Kanye did not birth J. Vernon. Which is the only way your comment would make sense.

[@allrapnation]

+Meagan Dahl This style is nothing new for Kanye either, 808's and heartbreaks was very much in this vein and undoubtedly Kanye recognizes Justin for helping make this lane in music! I mean he wouldn't be working with him on multiple occasions if the two didn't respect each other's vision and creative soul.

[@EpiCx8]

Rap Nation Couldn't have said it better

[@yuuup2923]

+Rap Nation This comment is such a massive Dickride all fucking Kanye did was hop on mic say once 'we can be friends' in the chorus and just gives Francis and the Lights exposure with the apparent ''feauture'' of his. Aswell please do not say shit like Kanye wrote this or he produce this,when clearly it says in the description that he had no involvement with either production or writing of this track. it says written by Lammer, Starlite, Burton, Batmanglij, Vernon. Produced by BJ Burton, Francis Starlite, Justin Vernon, Rostam Batmanglij, Aaron Lammer, Ariel Rechtshaid, Benny Blanco, and Cashmere Cat

[@Nhxn_]

I'm a huge Ye fan, but for all we know this nigga could have been sitting in the couch and just put the co-sign in there haha

[@littlemoccasin5678]

When Dylan first heard Elvis, he said it felt like breaking out of jail. That’s the feeling I get at 1:29 when this man breaks it DOWN. (& in several of his songs). It doesn’t matter how many times I watch & listen, the biggest smile comes across my face and stays there. There is a tangible joy & purity in Francis’ work. When you (everyone) use your innate gifts and offer them, it blesses all of us. Thank you Francis ❤️ p.s. Keep the “spin the girl” move - I think it needs to be a lifetime signature.

[@edwise4543]

Justin Vernon might be the coolest kid who has ever existed.

[@francisandthelights]

verified

[@edwise4543]

francisandthelights I have a question, did Kanye specifically request to stand closest to the light at the end of the video?

[@francisandthelights]

Edmund Wise he came up with the idea that he would do a mirrored pose to ours, but, instead of turning away from the light, he would shield it while staring straight at it. he is the greatest.

[@felixletsgo]

and by the way: I could imagine you in a dance-off with Robyn. What do you think?

[@nadirarambe8111]

Ed Wise well-explained!

[@ges3061]

Glory to our Heavenly Father may his hand touch everyone reading this. May his love pour out onto us. Thank you Father for all that you do.

[@ashleywhaley8717]

Watching Justin dance makes me so happy.

[@mahdishaikh8770]

I cant believe this song is already over 7 years old..

[@llgogo]

I've listened to thousands of songs. This right here is pure genius, no other words to describe this song.

[@younglevin7011]

this is one of the most comforting pieces of music that has ever been made

[@TheSoundsThatTravel]

most ppl don't know... Francis Farewell Starlite has been in the game for a while know. not only as his own work in "Francis And The Lights " but he has also produced tracks for famous artist. karaoke by Drake , summer by Chance, and a couple of tracks on the social experiment album Surf. he also wrote the score to the movie "Robot And Frank" . I was first introduced to his music by Vampire Weekend former keys player Rostam. in 2010 he suggested listening to Francis and the lights new album at the time called " It'll Be Better" every track on this album is fire. the hit single off that album was "For Days" what a kickass track. his voice reminds me of Phil Collins. great artist right here, and it's so cool that he works with all these new icons. much love and respect to him and the artist that fuck with him:) #love #realmusic

[@TheSoundsThatTravel]

now*

[@brionity]

THANK YOU.

[@TheSoundsThatTravel]

+BRIONITY np:)

[@saucygyro]

Bro I feel you. Can't believe it'll be better went so under the radar when it dropped. Hopefully now with this collaboration Francis gets the respect he deserves. The guy has talent and work ethic.

[@TheSoundsThatTravel]

+saucygyro yea bro. I hope he gets huge. he deserves it

[@jocejoy]

Still awesome ! I love this song !

[@AcquaticIsOG]

Kanye is a genius idc what anyone says about this man. "Name one Genius that ain't crazy"

[@Okaminokami666]

my testicles!! jk but you're right asf

[@wataloopus]

Yall dumbasses really give people a reason to call Ye fans retards. Yes he is a genius, but this doesnt mean EVERY SINGLE THING HE DOES IS REVOLUTIONARY There is nothing genius about this video, only call it out when its rightfully so

[@fuckdicat]

Maybe wouldn't call it genius, but this is fucking amazing!Specially compared to most of today's music!

[@sb6521]

+wataloopus lmao, when you're trying to ride, but you do it too hard; but yeah, i agree with you man, that's how you know some fans are dimwittedn

[@sb6521]

+wataloopus *dimwitted

[@davidjennystudentshortfilm3010]

What was Kanye doing in this? Besides, admittedly wearing a really fucking cool jacket.

[@Enhancedbymani]

i think he helped produce

[@davidjennystudentshortfilm3010]

Oh cool. I love his previous collaborations with Bon Iver

[@disrupt6576]

I think he also says "we could be friends" at 1:29

[@dhorton43]

Wow, great addition to the song! That and his appearance and the end of the video really sealed the deal for me

[@Shayor100]

+David H. Great sarcasm but he produced it.

[@shaleenshay6335]

I'll always think that this is one of the best songs ever made. It has an eerie beauty to it. Gives me chills every time😭🔥🔥🔥

[@laetitiakapaiwai1499]

2022 here ❤

[@shaleenshay6335]

😭❤️

[@fire_desire_2492]

Tafadzwa wherever you are, the moments we shared with this song in the background are still my fondest memories ever

[@rickyflexer7364]

Francis and Bon Iver are the only artists who offer Anxiety support music. Music like this can help people with depression and high anxiety. Thank you Francis.

[@stuffnicoledoes]

Rediscovering this song at 2am on a random Thursday, i'ma sleep great tonigt

[@desaiortegren]

Francis, I've known you and your music for less than an hour and I'm already a huge fan. This song and video is INCREDIBLE, as is your latest album! I'm really looking forward to start following your work, feeling so much gratitude that I came across it. Thank you!

[@promisemabaso3362]

2021 I'm still right here listening to this jam 💞💞💞💞🔥🔥

[@mabulasekwaila9865]

Beke le beke

[@1jonavark]

Justin dancing made my day! but Francis is also amazing. Discovered his music here!

[@joshd.684]

Kanye Producing with Bon Iver vocals always coming through

[@jakel939]

always has

[@eubie6506]

ye didnt produce this

[@jakel939]

i think alotta people produced this

[@susan45tb]

+BLUE not all producers normally get credited tho

[@videokeren9910]

kanye did nothin

[@boitumelomel5724]

"Still dreamin of a glory..something new" crushing on this line💓

[@nai.yahhhh]

still listening to this hidden gem💛💛

[@blurbthenerd]

This song is EVERYTHING

[@marynicholedalay2271]

Still listening to this after all these years

[@chillingFriend]

This actually might be one of the best songs I've ever listened to. Thank you so much for being a big inspiration, Francis.

[@mamameoww]

Literally. Same ! I can’t even explain the feeling it gives my soul

[@malmo8301]

😊😊 so excited to have found this song again. My goodness

[@piehobo7952]

It's just next level this tune never heard anything like it

[@tashfiqchoudhury]

I love how it's implied that Kanye was doing that little dance with them when the camera was off him.

[@Fxns]

Randomly found this song by looking at who's signed to GOOD Music, Kayne has some good taste in artists.

[@Goblin9494]

As much as I cannot stand the way Kanye presents himself to the media, I have to agree with you. He has great taste and has introduced a lot of amazing artists.

[@Goblin9494]

Kanye prodigy

[@silaee]

@@Goblin9494 how is he portrayed? Are you talking about 2 years ago? He's Changed. Stop judging people based on their past.

[@thekub32]

Kanye is batshit crazy but he is an amazing artist and has a great ear. His production is untouchable.

[@Gabriel8415]

@@Goblin9494 he presents himself in the right way. He's right about everything

[@daniela444california]

River you stole my ❤️🙌🏼😎 much love your the sunshine ☀️

[@VLNDuddus]

I love it when Bon Iver and Kanye collaborate

[@nekitkat]

today this video turned 5 years old, but i’m still smiling on _IM FRAAAANCIS_ line. such a masterpiece song!

[@WheresWeeWoo]

I love how simple the dance is... gotta learn it

[@variscitehealing222]

Wowzers, Francis you are such a shooting star its beautiful. The universe appreciates you so much!!!

[@codypena8301]

Witnessing Francis and Chance The Rapper do this dance live in concert was one of the single greatest moments of my existence.

[@fasismith688]

more music like this please Francis. this is the feels the world needs.

[@jihanekasbi6913]

Why haven't I heard about this till now??? Damn this is such a beautiful songgg

[@joshuacarrig9370]

Until now? It only came out the other day! lol. But I understand. I too want any music of this caliber delivered directly to my ears as soon as its finished in the studio.

[@iGoHAMzaTV]

U look like such a beautiful muslim sister :) plz do not let these type of songs get the best of u. Its all just a distraction to take ur mind of the real purpose of life

[@pheromonefevers669]

+iGoHAM oh my god, get over yourself

[@iGoHAMzaTV]

+Pheromone Fevers its funny what u just said actually lol. Your contradicting yourself. Like u said "oh my god" its not about myself, its about God. Good job👍🏽

[@djzlaught6197]

@iGoHAM lol wtf??

[@rioborondy]

Obsessed. My love for Justin Vernon AND Kanye introduced my love for Francis!

[@bakerlikeanita]

How did I just discover this song just yesterday? The instrumentals are so calming

[@alexismp3087]

This song and "May I Have This Dance" have no expiration. It is art in it's purest form and it makes me feel beauty as an emotion. Thank you Francis, from the bottom of my heart! Also, Shallou has a great cover of this one!

[@DeNovoReviews]

For the people saying "why are people loving this video?" and "this is such an overrated piece of garbage" and "the lyrics and video are simple." Let me first point out music is subjective. With that in mind - some of the reasons this is the best song/video of the year thus far: 1) it's soulful as fuck; 2) the production is so crisp and clear; 3) while the lyrics are simple, there is still a profoundness to them (i.e., "I can't remember what it's like to never want to let go" - that particular line hit me hard); 4) the video represents one moment in time - no edits - just raw (and the scenes like @1:27 - @1:37 and @2:16 forward just make me (and I'm sure a lot of people) feel quite good). Like I said, in my opinion, this is the video and song of the year thus far.

[@rhdk]

Such a haunting beautiful song. The video is so simple but powerful. You can feel the emotions of the story come through with not only the words but the beats. And Kaynes stare at just the perfect time shows that he is not just singing the words but he is living the words everyday in his personal life. And with Justin's playfulness in his dance shows the song is deep but can be uplifting as well. A masterpiece that should and will live on.

[@YungEnoch369Films]

Amen

[@1928zxcv]

Total production cost: $50.23 ...emotion: priceless

[@junejhunkie]

A red camera rental average for a day is already $600 and up. if you get lucky you get a lens, so that's separate. That large studio is i'd say for an hour will cost around between $ 80 - 150 an hour. maybe a minimum of 4 hours. Then there's the rental of lights. gotta pay the director which I rangers from 10-50K then the crew. Don't forget kraft services. Make-up. Wardrobe. the list could go on. And that's a conservative estimate.

[@shellyann620]

But they could have done the video in K West house and borrow his camera.

[@charleyelliott91]

I

[@Nobodygetonherenomore]

+Shelly Ann wtf lol

[@easyjump7702]

bootyhole lmaoo

[@meyloose1013]

As simple (but not) as this choreography is it still speaks volumes to my soul.

[@kellyjangal1992]

I love that dance !

[@karenwoodruff6484]

Love love love this

[@ItsYukiToo]

Love this song so much. It has a gentle/atmospheric sound that I just really love.

[@ladies8705]

2:15 onwards is the type of dance you and the squad be doing when you're all feeling a song like this!

[@Elitespacer]

Not really sure what i just watched but Chance sent me here and i'm glad he did

[@jdebney]

One of the most beautiful pieces of art ive ever seen. Everything about it hits straight to my soul

[@ebonix33]

i clicked because of kanye west..and now im lookin for more francis' music 🎶. .

[@sntrlj144]

same

[@astewart1003]

check out the music video for darling it's all right. Badass

[@danjwalker]

I second that.

[@DeclanCahill47]

Look for Bon Iver Brotha!!!

[@FollowedShadow]

Declan Cahill right! Sounds more like Bon Iver than anyone else. Love it!

[@holly-ek9tv]

i've recently got into a bit of a hole with bon iver; constantly listening and reading and watching. i found this song in a video about bon ivers and kanyes collabrations and now i can't stop listening. the lyrics, the melody, the way yours and vernons voices and techniques compliment each other so well, this song is really incredible. francis, i loved 'may i have this dance' but this is outstanding, the work you put into it really pays off and i really admire your ways of working with music and challenging the usual tones and sounds we hear. i can't wait to delve into more of your tunes. big love

[@Copacetic94]

I love that Kanye & Bon Iver keep cranking out awesome shit together. Definitely a testament to solid musicians

[@adinacurtaz]

I remember being hurt by a boy and listening to this song for months remembering I still got the best friends on earth. That song always inspired me.

[@ama7972]

Justin Vernon dancing is a whole mood

[@paradisexcell1880]

Such a beautiful song

[@liamellis9018]

Francis been a vibe

[@feefee2433]

What in INCREDIBLE song!!!!

[@hunterstrickland7122]

This song could not be more radiating. Immediately, you begin to feel more drawn in as the song continues. Truly amazing!

[@Smalllls]

You can tell it took Justin Vernon so long to learn the choreography! That was probably take 78 lol. So cute! Love him!

[@francisandthelights]

u try it

[@Smalllls]

@@francisandthelights Oh I can’t! Hence why I love how cute it was.

[@kerryknight1903]

Does anyone even realize how incredibly talented this guy is? The whole band but this guy is something special. I listen to you guys ever single day, much love from VA.

[@Amanda---]

Francis, you complete me.

[@jdebney]

Perfect song. Perfect production. perfect music video. Keep coming back to this

[@AprilCampbell]

this song isn't long enough! love that Kanye's ft is his fashion! fresh ass jacket

[@francisandthelights]

the ft is the fashion!

[@AprilCampbell]

love the song. I wish it were longer

[@mushmoufs]

Beautiful

[@ntandojadezweni4402]

Singade sikhabane aquc this is the best ever made even ngoku ngo2024 rhaa ndingaphinde ndoluke for Zona okwesibini

[@katiemiles11]

This video is such a delightful and unexpected surprise. Every. Single. Time. I’ve probably seen it hundreds of times, and somehow it retains that quality...still makes me so happy. Always makes me feel better. 👊💜

[@daniellejazziest2569]

Love Justin he is sooo sexy.He is my daughters age but I can always look and seeing him dance.Oh my god

[@ConsciousCrypto]

I keep crying when I watch these synchronized dances.. this is just so damn beautiful.

[@JL-yq9xn]

I love the layering in this song it's dope w headphones 🌊🌊

[@francisandthelights]

Johnny Lee Bon iver did the layering

[@keunsuchodressmakerarchive4354]

Very modern and contemporary, and avant-garde MV~😊👍 Geniuses~~

[@kavyavamshikrishna]

Music being the frequency or sound form of life. I dig that

[@francisandthelights]

A life form seems like a valid answer, to the question “what is music” A substance A life form Is it like air and water? Are we inside it or is it inside us?

[@kavyavamshikrishna]

@@francisandthelights We humans are life forms.We FEEL the movements , the waves of a sound! Like a soul to life form! It's more appropriate to say we just don't listen to music, we Feel music! Like our own soul!

[@spjuthinator]

This song gives me a warmness inside

[@iamcrichelle9421]

“Just put your head on my shoulders I will straighten out, for you” 😍😍😍

[@DukeROBRTS]

Francis I am LOVING this song so much. Have just watched 4 hours of your KZbin. Even learned the dance. Please come to Australia. X

[@francisandthelights]

DukeROBRTS cheers

[@DukeROBRTS]

francisandthelights you've made my day.

[@6ear_rsa]

After two whole years Francis, two whole years this son hits hard. Thanks dude.

[@shayafendez7702]

The most underrated piece of art ever! !!!

[@cordellboss]

I wanna hug everyone in this music video

[@liliakamenova]

Just ART sooooooo brilliant❤️