FRIENDS was and always will be an irreplaceable part of our childhood, no matter what. While Joey was relatable and fans wanted to hug him, Ross was perhaps the kid at the school with whom we were friends. Monica was the glue of the group, and Chandler was undoubtedly the sarcasm king. Well, when it comes to Rachel, her transformation throughout the series is quite admirable. However, there is one character who stood out for all of us, Phoebe Buffay.
Phoebe was always the eccentric one of the group. Thanks to her determination and kindness, her friends still loved her and stuck with her. She had her own interpretation of the world and was unapologetically weird. No matter how quirky her reasons may have been, at times she was the only voice of reason in her friends’ chaotic lives. The most lovable thing about Phoebe Buffay was her hippy songs that contain all the wisdom of the world.
Let’s take a trip to memory down the lane and go through some of the songs of Phoebe Buffay who were highly inspiring and taught us a lot about life.
1. Smelly Cat
Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat, it’s not your fault.
Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat, it’s not your fault.
They won’t take you to the vet.
You’re obviously not their favorite pet.
You may not be a bed of roses.
You’re no friend to those with noses.
Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat, it’s not your fault.
Of course, we’d be mad if we do not put “Smelly Cat” at number one. This song is surely a post-modern artwork that holds a deep and meaningful message at its core. In this song, she reminds us to not be harsh on ourselves and always forgive ourselves.
2. The Holiday Song
Went to the store, sat on Santa’s lap.
Asked him to bring my friends all kinds of cr*p.
He said, “all you need is to write them a song.”
Now you haven’t heard it yet, so don’t try to sing along.
So don’t sing along.
Monica, Monica, have a happy Hanukkah.
Saw Santa Claus, he said hello to Ross.
And please tell Joey, Christmas will be snowy.
And Rachel and Chandler, [mumbles something] handler!
Happy holidays everybody!
This is an amazing Christmas gift that money can never buy. With a sprinkle of festive ridiculousness, it’s hilarious and endearing at the same time. In this song, she taught us to include and care for our friends, no matter how hard it is.
3. Two of Them Kissed Last Night
There was a girl, we’ll call her Betty
And a guy, let’s call him Neil
Now I can’t stress this point too strongly…
This story isn’t real.
Now our Neil must decide
Who will be the girl that he casts aside?
Will Betty be the one who he loves truly?
Or will it be the one who we’ll call… Loolie?
He must decide, he must decide,
even though I made him up, he must decide!
We appreciate Phoebe for having the ability to be the least subtle person in the room. Even though Phoebe manages to make Ross as uncomfortable as humanly possible, she also stressed the importance of fidelity.
4. Grandma
Now, Grandma’s a person who everyone likes,
She bought you a train and a bright, shiny bike.
But lately, she hasn’t been coming to dinner,
And last time you saw her she looked so much thinner.
Now, your mom and your dad said she moved to Peru,
But the truth is she died and someday you will too.
Lalala LAlalala LAlalala LAlalala La La La La.
Lalala LAlalala LAlalala LAlalala La La La La.
This is an all-rounder song with a sing-along chorus. It is quite funny and educational. Funny because of the obvious reasons and educational because she prepared us for life’s bitter truth.
5. Snowman
I made a man with eyes of coal
and a smile so bewitchin’.
How was I supposed to know
that my mom was dead in the kitchen?
La lalala laaa la lala La lalala la la…
“Snowman” song has a jolly tune paired with melancholic lyrics. Also, it is topped off with a “la la la” chorus (Phoebe’s trademarks). To make it Christmasy, she also brings out the bells. However, with all the jolliness, she also reminded us that life sometimes can take unexpected turns.
6. Don’t Take No
Bum-bum-bum
Don’t take no for an answer!
Bum-bum-bum
Don’t let love fly away!
Bum-bum-bum-bum-bum-bum..
Phoebe is a girl who needs to sing both the melody and the accompaniment of the song. With this song, she taught us the value of being persistent and never give up on our love.
7. Babies
They’re tiny and chubby and so sweet to touch,
and soon they’ll grow up and resent you so much.
Now they’re yelling at you and you don’t know why,
and you cry and you cry and you cry.
And you cry and you cry and you cry and you cry…
Even though the waiting room of the maternity ward wasn’t the right place for this song, but what she sang was the bitter truth of life. She framed a perfect picture of the truth about growing up.
8. Crusty Old Man
And a crusty old man said,
“I’ll do what I can,”
and the rest of the rats played maracas.
It might be only the last few lines of the song, but it’s a musical genius at its best. The intricate storyline, the vivid imagery, and the musical rats. It sounds like an absurd song but it surely taught us to never give up and give our best in whatever we do.
9. Sticky Shoes
My sticky shoe,
my sticky, sticky shoe,
why you stick on me… baby.
We have always known Phoebe for her cheery tunes, but when she catches cold, the result comes out as “Sticky Shoes”. With her sexy phlegm also, she did not forget to teach us that life can get uncomfortable sometimes. So, deal with it and be strong.
10. Emma’s Birthday Song
Emma,
Your name poses a dilemma,
’Cause, not much else rhymes with Emma.
Maybe the actor Richard Crenna (he played the commanding officer in Rambo).
Happy Birthday, Emma!
At Emma’s first birthday party, Phoebe did her best to entertain a tough crowd. Even though Joey completely overshadows her song with a dramatic reading of “Love Me Forever”, she didn’t think anything and showed us to be confident and do not give a damn about what people will think.
Hats Off to Phoebe Buffay!!
