So this has been.my favorite song of OTEP's since it came out in 2004, and I always thought it was a song about a child's narrative of suffering in an abusive Christian home. But now that I am revisiting the lyrics, I am seeing something totally new.
This song could be gospel of John but from the perspective of Jesus.
Jesus was NOT having a good time up to and during the crucifixion. Everyone in the known world at the time looked to him with fear, admiration or disgust and he was constantly being asked questions. He spoke in "verses, prophesies and curses". He had made an enemy of the state, and believed the world was increasingly wicked and fallen from grace, or that he was in the "mouth of madness".
The spine of atlas is the structure that allows the titan to hold the world up. Jesus challenged the state and in doing so became a celebrated resistance figure. It also made him public enemy #1.
All of this happened simply because he was doing his thing, not because of any agenda he had or strategy.
And then he gets scourged (storm of thorns)
There are some plot holes here but I think it's an interesting interpretation.
I hope the day will be a lighter highway
For friends are found on every road
Can you ever think of any better way
For the lost and weary travelers to go
Making friends for the world to see
Let the people know you got what you need
With a friend at hand you will see the light
If your friends are there, then everything's all right
It seems to me a crime that we should age
These fragile times should never slip us by
A time you never can or shall erase
As friends together watch their childhood fly
Making friends for the world to see
Let the people know you got what you need
With a friend at hand you will see the light
If your friends are there, then everything's all right
Making friends for the world to see
Let the people know you got what you need
With a friend at hand you will see the light
If your friends are there, then everything's all right
For friends are found on every road
Can you ever think of any better way
For the lost and weary travelers to go
Making friends for the world to see
Let the people know you got what you need
With a friend at hand you will see the light
If your friends are there, then everything's all right
It seems to me a crime that we should age
These fragile times should never slip us by
A time you never can or shall erase
As friends together watch their childhood fly
Making friends for the world to see
Let the people know you got what you need
With a friend at hand you will see the light
If your friends are there, then everything's all right
Making friends for the world to see
Let the people know you got what you need
With a friend at hand you will see the light
If your friends are there, then everything's all right
Lyrics submitted by sillybunny
Friends Lyrics as written by Bernard J.p. Taupin Elton John
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Like a lot of the other comments are saying, I think this mainly about voyeurism. If the song was about his girlfriend, then why would he use the word spy. If you are a spy it means you shouldn't be caught, that is kind of the whole point, and if you are a voyeur, the whole point of the pleasure you get from it, is the fact that the other people don't know you are watching them. See a bit of a connection there?
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
She came out of the frost Her cheeks glowing And filled the room with chatter Utterly disrespectful of serious pursuits All this was somewhat annoying And rather absurd My room began to look fearfully crowded I can’t control this curious handmaid So I dismiss the muse I am too tired to quarrel Telling people’s fortunes by the King of Hearts! What boredom! I knew her in those fabled years One haunted by wondrous desire A magic landscape—a lonely sleigh There’s talk—then friendly laughter And songs Whispering at the table Gay and ready wit! How jolly!
My thoughts are far away and so I close the volume—sit down—take up my pen Force my dull muse to say some incoherent words But harmony is wanting The sounds won’t chime
[paraphrased]
While the film "The Blue Lagoon" puts two young lovers in a desert island, with no contact with civilization, the 1971 film "Friends" goes the opposite route. Paul (Sean Bury) and Michelle (Anicée Alvina) end up living together in a small cottage in Southern France. Having only each other and their childhood innocence, their friendship slowly develops into much more as they struggle to sustain themselves, in this sweet coming of age story. This film even to this day is controversial since the actors are teenagers and they certainly look the ages that are stated in the movie (15 and 14 1/2). As an artistic piece, this movie is really a forgotten and rough gem. The script progresses with extreme simplicity, albeit some sappiness, but never pulling any punches to state its message, although by today standards, it is somewhat slow. The photography is beautiful and it has scenes of great beauty. The acting of the two protagonists varies from really awful in some scenes to marvelously innocent and credible in others. Pop music—soundtrack by Elton John and Bernie Taupin—unlike most productions nowadays, is used tastefully and sometimes the lyrics speak the thoughts of the protagonists. Overall, this is a delightful piece, even if the moral values are not in concordance with your own.
I see so much in this song as I leave for my freshman year of college. Wow. It's almost over... there are new friends coming because they are found on every road, but watching your childhood fly is painful.
It's the #1 song that makes me cry... It reminds me of my own friends who either died at a young age, or who I haven't seen in many years. It makes me so sad, yet I treasure its meaning.
There is another piece on the 'Friends' soundtrack that is very moving. It is mostly an instrumental, with some short lyrics at the end. It's called 'Seasons' (The First Kiss). I'm telling you, I'm a Harley-riding old guy (almost 60), and this can turn me into a blubbering puddle of goo. To understand why, read my comments for Henley's 'Boys Of Summer'.
'Seasons' (The First Kiss) For our world, the circle turns again Throughout the year we've seen the seasons change It's meant a lot to me to start anew Oh the winter's cold but I'm so warm with you
Out there there's not a sound to be heard And the seasons seem to sleep upon their words As the waters freeze up with the summer's end
Oh it's funny how young lovers start as friends Yes it's funny how young lovers start as friends
this song has the melody of friendship in it itself, sweet, and true