My Partner, My Friend
This song was originally written by Sharyn T. Larson for an Elderhostel program that she and Jerry attended in Nashville, Tennessee.
It was performed during the event to the tune of Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant but was not recorded or captured for later playback.
In 2025 it was re-created using Suno AI and arranged by her son, Erik Larson.
VERSE 1: We met in early '71 right after I moved to Dallas. I wasn't into the bar scene, so to church I went one Sunday. I ventured into the Singles class as new officers were introduced. And there he was, the treasurer, tall, dark hair and glasses. He caught my eye, that Sunday morn, and asked me after class, "Could we see a movie tonight, maybe catch a bite to eat?" A 2-year friendship had begun, phone calls, dates, and trips. Whatever we did, wherever we went, with him it was always fun. CHORUS: He's my partner. He's my friend Through the good times and the thin. He's my partner. He's my friend. We're together to the end. VERSE 2: He challenged me to be creative, To help him in times of need. He tested my endurance on the court, a bike, with a dance. He introduced me to camping, canoeing, cycling, and fishes. Then came the real test of love, "Who's going to do the dishes?" You see, I had to earn some points - how many wasn't up to me: I reflected street light onto a mirror so under the hood he could see. I towed my car in Dallas traffic. Now that could have created havoc! Paper bag hats to shield the sun, Another point with that I won. CHORUS: He's my partner. He's my friend Through the good times and the thin. He's my partner. He's my friend. We're together to the end. VERSE 3: I don't remember all of them but the last one, I sure did. I had a jar of peanut butter with a very stubborn lid. I had tried all the tricks I knew but I was in a stew. Until I recalled that gripper, circular and made of rubber. So I bargained to end this game he thought was so much fun: One final point he would give if only I could open that lid. He tried his best but could not budge that very stubborn top. But for me with that gripper, the lid came off with a pop! CHORUS: He's my partner. He's my friend Through the good times and the thin. He's my partner. He's my friend. We're together to the end. VERSE 4: For two long years our friendship grew until at last we married. 10 points I earned and passed his test, and he had passed mine too. Now thirty years have come and gone; memories have been good. A house we made into a home for our children and grand-brood. We've laughed and cried, shared and planned Each other we have supported. Our memories are a-plenty, Since the day I first was courted. Our blessings, they are many, What's next? We'll wait and see God's given us a good life - my partner and me. CHORUS: He's my partner. He's my friend Through the good times and the thin. He's my partner. He's my friend. We're together to the end. CHORUS: He's my partner. He's my friend Through the good times and the thin. He's my partner. He's my friend. We're together to the end.