To Find A Friend

Tom Petty

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


Lyrics submitted by oofus

To Find a Friend Lyrics as written by Thomas Earl Petty

Lyrics © Gone Gator Music

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To Find A Friend song meanings
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7 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment
    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.
    cogginjson November 16, 2010   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation
    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.
    RTFireflyon October 03, 2017   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Obviously about a divorce and how it affects the family / children.
    GoodOmenson January 13, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    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
    J.Spicolion August 14, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Like everyone else said, self explanatory song. First Tom Petty song I ever loved.
    Amindwithahearton January 18, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    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.
    edfinkelon August 29, 2018   Link
  • -1
    General Comment
    I really like the chorus. I'd like to think theres a deeper meaning but I think what you said is pretty much it.
    benulitronon January 16, 2007   Link

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