"Farewell My Friend" is a song written by Dennis Wilson

Dennis Wilson

Dennis Carl Wilson was an American rock and roll musician best known as a founding member and the drummer of The Beach Boys. He was a member of the group from its formation until his death in 1983...

. It was released as the tenth track for his 1977 solo album Pacific Ocean Blue

Pacific Ocean Blue

Pacific Ocean Blue is Dennis Wilson's only solo album, released in 1977. After several attempts, starting in 1970, to release his own project, some of which made it to the finished album, Wilson recorded the bulk of Pacific Ocean Blue in the months spanning the fall of 1976 to the following spring...

. The song was released as a single in Europe as the B-side of the "River Song

River Song (Dennis Wilson song)

"River Song" is a song written by Dennis Wilson and his younger brother Carl Wilson. It served as the opening track for Dennis Wilson's 1977 debut solo album Pacific Ocean Blue. The song was released as a single in Europe with the B-side being "Farewell My Friend". The single however, failed to chart...

" single. The single however, failed to chart. The track, as with the rest of the album, was credited as being produced by Dennis Wilson and his close friend Gregg Jakobson

Gregg Jakobson

Gregg Jakobson was an acquaintance of Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys. Together they wrote "Baby Blue" along with Karen Lamm, "Celebrate the News", "Forever" and "San Miguel" for The Beach Boys...

. Dennis Wilson sings the lead vocals on this and every other track on the album. The song also features vocals from his brother, Carl Wilson

Carl Wilson

Carl Dean Wilson was an American rock and roll singer and guitarist, best known as a founding member, lead guitarist and sometime lead vocalist of The Beach Boys...

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The song was written as a tribute to Otto Hinsche, the father of Billy Hinsche

Billy Hinsche

William "Billy" Hinsche is an American musician who was part of the singing group Dino, Desi, & Billy. He has also provided backing vocals for Warren Zevon and toured with The Beach Boys. His sister, Annie Hinsche-Wilson-Karges, was married to the group's guitarist, Carl Wilson.- External links...

and the father in law to Dennis Wilson's brother Carl, who was married to, Annie Hinsche. Dennis wrote this tribute to Otto Hinsche, as he had died in Dennis's arms. Dennis described the song as "sort of a happy farewell".

This song was played at Dennis Wilson's own funeral in January 1984.