The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Help me breathe
Help me believe
You seem really glad that I am sad
You are not my friend
I cannot pretend that you are
You made it sting
Your voice is ringing
Just like the boys who laughed at me in school
You are not my friend
I cannot pretend anymore
You found a place
No one should ever go
I'll be okay
'Cause when I back away
I'm gonna keep the handle of your gun in sight
Help me believe
You seem really glad that I am sad
You are not my friend
I cannot pretend that you are
You made it sting
Your voice is ringing
Just like the boys who laughed at me in school
You are not my friend
I cannot pretend anymore
You found a place
No one should ever go
I'll be okay
'Cause when I back away
I'm gonna keep the handle of your gun in sight
Lyrics submitted by softasfire
Not My Friend Lyrics as written by Norah Jones
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
ok, how does this song have no comments on it? seriously.
i received an email the other day from an ex in which he refered to me as a friend. which is really funny because we haven't spoken in over a year. i'm pretty sure friends speak to one another.
and this song reminded me of him the first time i heard it, and it still does. it still stings.
and i'm still under his gun.
Very powerful song....the lyrics say it all.
gaah so like i heard this song at like the thing they have at barnes & nobles to see if you like the album and i loved it i probably listened to it like 10 times just standing there like a dumbass
but when i was listening to it i felt like isolated and better
it just relates to me norah jones should get more props for the amazingness of her music
my favorite ;]
this song is so beautiful that it hurts.