Following the death of André Hazes sr. in 2004, the song was reimagined for the posthumous tribute album Samen met Dré (2007).
: Lines like "Even though you are no longer with me, you are always by my side" took on a double meaning for the Hazes family.
: This version became a massive hit in the Netherlands, entering the charts in October 2007 and reaching #1 . It remained in the Top 20 for 13 weeks. Bedankt mijn vriend van Andre Hazes en Andre Hazes junior
The song remains a staple of the Dutch levenslied (song of life) genre, characterized by its emotional transparency:
André Hazes originally wrote and recorded the song in 1988 for the album Liefde, leven, geven . It was a deeply personal ode to his producer and best friend, , who had died in a car accident that same year. The lyrics express profound gratitude for a friendship that "made me what I am" and lament a life cut far too short. The 2007 Revival: Father and Son Following the death of André Hazes sr
The song (Thank You My Friend) carries a bittersweet legacy that connects a tragic loss in the 1980s with a father-son tribute decades later. The Origin: A Loss in 1988
: The chorus repeatedly thanks the "friend" for their support and for the "harvest" (success) they shared together. : This version became a massive hit in
: The version featured André Hazes Jr. (then only 13 years old) singing alongside his late father’s original vocals.