In 2002 Battalion of Saints reformed, the current line-up includes San Diego Veterans Matt Anderson (Heroin) on bass, Scott Bartoloni (Heroin, Clikitat Ikatowi) on guitar, Steve Gearhardt "Gearbox" (Total Chaos) and Mario Rubalcaba (Clikitat Ikatowi, RFTC, Hot Snakes) sharing duties on drums, and enlisting old friend and partner in crime Londis Kues "TK" (Crucified Youth, TOF) on guitar. The original Battalion of Saints lineup put out the "Fighting Boys" 12" EP, and the "Second Coming" LP, plus numerous compilation tracks. Most of this material has been re-released on the "Death-R-Us" CD available on Taang! Records. The line-up with Terry Bones put out one EP and the "Cuts" CD also available on Taang! Records.
-www.myspace.com/battalionofsaints
Buddies and Pals
Battalion of Saints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Friends, when they lie behind your back
Why don't they just leave me alone
When they're always asking for more
Useless and lazy
Who don't want to work
Why don't they work for themselves
Friends, who smile at me
Friends, who wish bad on me
(Chorus)
Give me this, give me that
What a bunch of worthless crap
The ride is fun when you're young
But what will you have when it's done?
Friends, who I gave to all of the time
Friends, who want more all the time
(Chorus)
Friends are just like leeches
Especially when you've got what they want
The lyrics of Battalion of Saints's song Buddies and Pals paint a picture of the singer's negative experiences and frustrations with friends. The song begins with the singer being referred to as a friend, but then goes on to describe how friends talk behind his back and constantly ask for more without wanting to work for themselves. This creates a sense of betrayal and disappointment from the people who are supposed to be his friends.
The chorus is a commentary on the entitlement that the singer's friends seem to feel, always asking for more and never being satisfied. The verse "what a bunch of worthless crap" is a harsh indictment of their behavior and lack of appreciation.
The final verse compares friends to leeches, emphasizing the idea that friendship can sometimes be a parasitic relationship. The tone of the entire song is one of bitterness and resentment towards these so-called friends who offer nothing but disappointment and frustration.
Overall, Buddies and Pals is a critique of the superficiality and insincerity of some friendships. It offers a cautionary perspective on the dangers of getting too involved with people who do not have your best interests at heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Friend, that's what they call me
People call me their friend
Friends, when they lie behind your back
People act like my friend, but talk bad about me when I'm not around
Why don't they just leave me alone
I wish people wouldn't bother me
When they're always asking for more
People are always asking me for things
Useless and lazy
Some people don't want to work hard
Who don't want to work
People who don't want to put in effort
Why don't they work for themselves
I wish people would take care of themselves instead of relying on others
Friends, who smile at me
People smile and act friendly towards me
Friends, who wish bad on me
Despite acting friendly, some people secretly wish bad things upon me
(Chorus)
Refrain lyrics follow
Give me this, give me that
People are always asking for things from me
What a bunch of worthless crap
I don't want to give anything to people who don't deserve it
The ride is fun when you're young
It seems fun to have lots of friends when you're young
But what will you have when it's done?
But what happens when you get older or when the fun runs out?
Friends, who I gave to all of the time
People I've helped and given things to in the past
Friends, who want more all the time
Despite my past help, some people continue to ask for things or act entitled
(Chorus)
Refrain lyrics follow
Friends are just like leeches
People who take and don't give back are like parasites
Especially when you've got what they want
People will often come around more when they want something from you
Contributed by James O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Phillip Garner
Great quality recording!
globalXportal
Rocking.
Bunny!
Ted Olson!