All My Friends Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Willd 

Cover art for All My Friends lyrics by Pavement

This is about going out to bars and not really connecting with "bar goers".

SM "needs it", he needs the music, beers, girls, whatever. Bar and Pubs have always gone hand in hand underground music, but lack of graspable and examinable meaning makes it a "broken world".

Liars; peoples who will extend the truth (or outright fabricate) seem to be a focus of disdain. However it is empathized how anyone can fall into that trap of trying to make a social connection at any cost.

"Listen to them Show when they learn how to lie You can sing along with them if you try"

Finally the song draws to the conclusion that a social connection can't be made at a social club/place/bar because of the aforementioned reasons. The song slows, like a let down and the protagonist seems to have made his (or heeerrr) way out of the environment, to an industrial dock area and away from any entertainment district. He then seems to feel a desire to engage with a "union man", perhaps somebody is drinking with friends ( comrades in labour with strong connections and emphatic understanding of each other. Not bullshit Artists).

SM had previously described a desire to take his tale to them, the tale the whole song describes up until this point.

Finally we are walking on the beach and feeling something certain, "wet sand, feet in the wet sand".

@Willd you wrote your comment 5 years ago, but can you read my question above and pass along any insight you may have?