Friendly Fire
BBC Concert Orchestra & Pet Shop Boys Lyrics
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Boys to the left of me girls to the right of me neither husband nor wife
Though the days are filled with pain there is no one who'll explain why
I'm coming under friendly fire
Shot in the fatal cause of rock-and-roll but there's nothing, really nothing, to say
Why I endure under force majeure slander without shame or tact
I who studied make-up, mime and Buddha who taught two generations to react
In spite of coming under friendly fire shot in the fatal
Cause of rock-and-roll I have nothing, really nothing, to deny
When I look back my eyes are filled with tears
Danger to mascara, applause to my peers
When fame sustained me and arenas acclaimed me
I floated through life in a cloud of love and insanity and pagan profanity
Before a worshiping crowd Now my status is ill-defined
As an icon I'm inclined to be coming under friendly fire
Shot in the fatal cause of rock-and-roll
But whatever dull or clever points they've scored
I have never, oh no never, been ignored
The lyrics of “Friendly Fire” by the BBC Concert Orchestra and Pet Shop Boys are a reflection on the downside of fame and the cost it can have on individuals. Throughout the song, the lyrics paint a picture of the singer being attacked by criticisms and slander, despite having made a positive impact on society by teaching two generations to react. The line, “boys to the left of me, girls to the right of me, neither husband nor wife” speaks about the isolation that comes with fame and how it can be damaging to individuals’ personal life. The line “coming under friendly fire” highlights the fact that negative attacks can come from anywhere, even those who are supposed to be friends.
The song is an inspirational tirade against those who seek to tear down those who have become successful, those who strive to make a positive impact through their art. However, despite the attacks, the singer keeps moving forward, never giving up or being ignored, and remains true to who they are.
Line by Line Meaning
An inspirational tirade against me How to explain my life?
A motivating speech of criticism towards me has left me wondering how I should describe my life.
Boys to the left of me girls to the right of me neither husband nor wife
I am surrounded by both men and women, yet I am neither married nor in a relationship.
Though the days are filled with pain there is no one who'll explain why
Despite my days being full of anguish, no one will give me a reason why.
I'm coming under friendly fire
I am being attacked, criticized and judged by people I consider friends or allies.
Shot in the fatal cause of rock-and-roll but there's nothing, really nothing, to say
The negative effects of being involved in the music industry have affected me, but there is nothing more to add.
Why I endure under force majeure slander without shame or tact
I have been subjected to false and insulting statements without any remorse or sensitivity from the source.
I who studied make-up, mime and Buddha who taught two generations to react
Despite my background in the arts and philosophy, I am still facing criticism from those who I've been able to inspire.
About me the critics lied I ignored them and survived
The critics spread lies about me, but I refused to pay them any attention and continued to thrive.
In spite of coming under friendly fire shot in the fatal
Cause of rock-and-roll I have nothing, really nothing, to deny
Even though I've been criticized and hurt by those within my own industry, I have no reason to contradict or challenge those claims.
When I look back my eyes are filled with tears
Danger to mascara, applause to my peers
As I reflect on my past, I am overcome with emotion and tears. Despite this, I am still able to put on a brave face for my fans.
When fame sustained me and arenas acclaimed me
I floated through life in a cloud of love and insanity and pagan profanity
In my prime, I was supported by fans and was able to live a wild and carefree life filled with passion and craziness.
Before a worshiping crowd Now my status is ill-defined
Once upon a time, I had a devoted and loving audience. However, now my position is unclear and challenging.
As an icon I'm inclined to be coming under friendly fire
Shot in the fatal cause of rock-and-roll
As a music icon, I have become accustomed to being judged and criticized by those within the industry.
But whatever dull or clever points they've scored
I have never, oh no never, been ignored
Regardless of the negative attacks and accusations towards me, I have never been discounted or forgotten by my fans.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER LOWE, NEIL TENNANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind