Who wrote the lyrics for the song "Friend Like Me"?

Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics for “Friend Like Me.” The song was composed by Alan Menken for Disney’s 1992 animated film Aladdin and is performed by Robin Williams as the Genie.

Ashman helped shape Aladdin before his death in 1991, pitching the project and writing several songs. His lyrics for “Friend Like Me” reflect the Genie’s extravagant promises, comic timing, jazz influences, and rapid-fire pop-culture references.

A common mix-up is confusing the lyricist with the composer: Menken wrote the music, while Ashman wrote the words. Tim Rice later completed lyrics for other Aladdin songs, including “A Whole New World,” after Ashman’s death. “Friend Like Me” received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 65th Academy Awards.