The success of the single 'Shoot Your Gun' and the track 'Devil In Me' shot the band to prominence after its use in a Vauxhall commercial.
In early 2006, after four years together touring, with difficulties recording their follow-up album and a desire to change musical direction, the band mutually agreed to split up.
The band reformed in 2008 and released Shake/Shiver/Moan in 2010 and Got It If You Want It in 2012.
On 3 May, 2012, the band announced on Twitter that guitarist Dan Hare decided to leave the band.
22-20s quietly split for a second time in 2013.
Friends
22-20s Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've found out it's in your friends
People looking for success
Think it comes in cash and Phecks
I know dove don't grow on leaves
Trusting something comes with apease
Women move like crumbs and eggs
Even you, you do it too
You just don't see the harm you do
Trying to find where trouble ends
I've found out it's in your friends
Ambitions spreading like disease
Affects the way that people see
Even you, you change the ways
You just don't seem to care these days
Trying to find where trouble ends
I've found out it's in your friends
I've done things I shouldn't do
Taken things to get me through
I've been sinking in the sand
Always had a helping hand
Trying to find where trouble ends
I've found out it's in your friends
The lyrics of 22-20s' "Friends" go deep into the human psyche, highlighting how we all tend to look for trouble and success in the wrong places. The song talks about how people seek success, thinking it lies in wealth and status, ultimately forgetting that true happiness comes from the relationships we form. It is a reminder that our choices in life, especially in the company we keep, can have serious consequences on our wellbeing.
The first few lines of the song convey the message that trouble can be found in our circle of friends. The lyrics suggest that people often overlook the harm that their so-called friends can cause, leading them to make wrong choices. The metaphorical reference to "dove don't grow on leaves" and "trusting something comes with apease" reminds listeners that trust must be earned to avoid being deceived.
The third stanza highlights how ambition can be a contagious disease that affects our sense of morality, causing us to change our ways, leading us further away from true happiness. This change of perspective can result in undesirable consequences that can cut deep emotionally, preventing us from finding peace.
Overall, "Friends" is a song that urges listeners to be mindful of the friends they keep and the choices they make. It reminds us that true happiness lies in the company we keep and our actions towards others.
Line by Line Meaning
Trying to find where trouble ends
The singer is struggling to find a way out of their problems.
I've found out it's in your friends
The singer realizes that the people they surround themselves with are contributing to their troubles.
People looking for success
People are seeking wealth and prosperity.
Think it comes in cash and Phecks
They believe money and power can bring them success.
I know dove don't grow on leaves
The artist is aware that good things don't come easily.
Trusting something comes with apease
Peace of mind comes with trust.
Women move like crumbs and eggs
The singer is disillusioned with women who are fickle and unreliable.
Trying to find someone to blame
The artist is searching for a scapegoat for their problems.
Even you, you do it too
The artist accuses their friends of contributing to their problems.
You just don't see the harm you do
The artist believes their friends are unaware of the negative impact they're having.
Ambitions spreading like disease
The singer sees ambition as a contagious and harmful thing.
Affects the way that people see
It changes how people are perceived by others.
Even you, you change the ways
The singer accuses their friends of changing for the worse.
You just don't seem to care these days
The singer thinks their friend is apathetic towards their problems.
I've done things I shouldn't do
The singer has made mistakes.
Taken things to get me through
They have resorted to unethical behavior to deal with their problems.
I've been sinking in the sand
The artist feels like they're sinking deeper into their problems.
Always had a helping hand
Despite their struggles, the singer has had people there to support them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARTIN TRIMBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Isam Abandah
stayed up till 2 am learning this on guitar, absolutely beautiful, has the feel of a Bob Dylan tune.
ivan voda
So you maybe have some chords to share with us mortals 😄😄👌?
Loucas Stephens
@ivan voda Capo 2nd fret, then chords are mainly C, F, C,F, C ,G ,C
TheManInBlack 27
This song is one of those take the time to recollect moments.
Ali
I cant stop playing this 👌🏼
Colin Patrick
I am exactly where you were 6 years ago! I just heard it for the first time on Californication and I have played it 7 or 8 times in a row. I like it more with each listen.
Ali
@Colin Patrick hope all is fine, thank you for bringing me back to this 🙏🏽
Colin Patrick
@Ali As well with you. I just woke up and started listening to it again. I can't believe that I have never crossed paths with this song in its nearly 20 years!
fluctuoso
Fucking best song ever. LONG LIFE HANK, Californication forever.
amimi eli
Californication really knows how to pick it's soundtracks.