Mercer seems to be talking about his someone - an older sister - who helped him through a rough patch in the Fall of '82. And this song is a public "Thank You" to her. Very moving the way Mercer says: "Had you never been my friend/I wouldn't be quite what you see/I wouldn't be the man I am" = i.e. I made it through life and became a success thanks to you.
Cool song.
Mercer seems to be talking about his someone - an older sister - who helped him through a rough patch in the Fall of '82. And this song is a public "Thank You" to her. Very moving the way Mercer says: "Had you never been my friend/I wouldn't be quite what you see/I wouldn't be the man I am" = i.e. I made it through life and became a success thanks to you.