Lyric discussion by Coow 

Cover art for Relief lyrics by Chris Garneau

I hear it as relationship troubles mostly, probably ending. They see it coming but don't want it to end. They still love the person and the things about them. The sea coming in is them seeing the times changing and the relationship ending. The good old friend is perhaps someone taking the person away from them; a new boyfriend. But it's over, they'll never ask again.