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To Find A Friend Lyrics

In the middle of his life
He left his wife
And ran off to be bad
Boy, it was sad
But he bought a new car
Found a new bar
And went under another name
Created a whole new game

And the days went by like paper in the wind
Everything changed, then changed again
It's hard to find a friend
It's hard to find a friend

Meanwhile then
His wife's boyfriend moved in and
Took over the house
Everybody was quiet as a mouse
And it changed their lives
Changed their plans
Slowly they grew apart
Boy, it woulda broke your heart

And the days went by like paper in the wind
Everything changed, then changed again
It's hard to find a friend
It's hard to find a friend
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7 Meanings

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Cover art for To Find A Friend lyrics by Tom Petty

To me, it is about the aftermath of a failed marriage from the perspective of the husband, then the perspective of the wife. The guy hit a midlife crisis and decided to find his own happiness, but could never find a friend to replace his wife. His wife tried to move on, but also couldn't find a friend to replace her husband.

It's hard to find a friend, so think long & hard before letting one go.

My Interpretation
Cover art for To Find A Friend lyrics by Tom Petty

I don't think it's so much about the divorce, I think it's just kinda about this wife who can't find anyone. Her husband runs off to make a whole new life, then her new boyfriend ultimately doesn't fit the part. The days are passing by and she can't seem to find a friend.

Cover art for To Find A Friend lyrics by Tom Petty

Obviously about a divorce and how it affects the family / children.

Cover art for To Find A Friend lyrics by Tom Petty

I really like the chorus. I'd like to think theres a deeper meaning but I think what you said is pretty much it.

Cover art for To Find A Friend lyrics by Tom Petty

Ya, I dont think that there is a whole lot hidden in this song. Essentially, what you hear is what you get. Fairly self explanitory

Cover art for To Find A Friend lyrics by Tom Petty

Like everyone else said, self explanatory song. First Tom Petty song I ever loved.

Cover art for To Find A Friend lyrics by Tom Petty

The lines about "it changed their lives/it changed their plans" seem to be about children getting buffered by all of this, and are achingly sad. Very well painted by a guy who never got enough credit for his lyrics.