I think this song tells a touching story that exemplifies the duality and venality of man. He starts off talking to a guy, ostensibly his 'mate', but he doesn't want to talk about his mate's failed relationship, he just wants a free drink.
Then later on in the song he is talking to a woman, who seems to be the girlfriend (ex) of the guy he was talking with earlier. He doesn't want to talk about her problems either, but he wants to take advantage of her situation, at the same time betraying his first 'mate'.
The whole 'stand by you' thing is sung in an ironic way, perhaps showing the bitterness of past wrongs that have been done to the singer.
I think this song tells a touching story that exemplifies the duality and venality of man. He starts off talking to a guy, ostensibly his 'mate', but he doesn't want to talk about his mate's failed relationship, he just wants a free drink.
Then later on in the song he is talking to a woman, who seems to be the girlfriend (ex) of the guy he was talking with earlier. He doesn't want to talk about her problems either, but he wants to take advantage of her situation, at the same time betraying his first 'mate'.
The whole 'stand by you' thing is sung in an ironic way, perhaps showing the bitterness of past wrongs that have been done to the singer.
Very deep and meaningful (!)