Find Out Who Your Real Friends Are
Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw Lyrics


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Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Get yourself in a bind, lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn't know
This is where the truth don't lie

You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas get their fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who you're friends are

Everybody wants to slap your back
Wants to shake your hand
When you're up on top of that mountain
But let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up
And see who's around then

This ain't where the road comes to an end
This ain't where the bandwagon stops
This is just one of those times when
A lot of folks jump off

You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.'
They just show on up with that big old heart
You find out who you're friends are

When the water's high
When the weather's not so fair
When the well runs dry
Who's gonna be there?

You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.'




They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who you're friends are, you find out who you're friends are [Repeat first verse}

Overall Meaning

In "Find Out Who Your Real Friends Are," Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw sing about the importance of true friendship. The opening lyrics describe the type of situation where one may need a friend the most – stranded and in trouble. The chorus emphasizes that real friends will drop everything and come to your aid when you are in need. The song suggests that true friends are not motivated by personal gain; rather, they act out of their love and concern for you. The song also touches on the idea that many people are happy to be friends when things are going well, but it is only when trouble arises that the true nature of a friendship is revealed.


The lyrics of this song are powerful and relatable. We've all experienced a situation where we needed a friend to help us out, and this song captures that feeling perfectly. It speaks to the power of true friendship and the importance of having people in our lives who support us unconditionally. The song reminds us to be grateful for the friends we have and to show up for them when they need us, just as they would show up for us.


Line by Line Meaning

Run your car off the side of the road
When you face a crisis, an unexpected event, or a dilemma that becomes too difficult to manage, you may find yourself in chaos or even danger.


Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Sometimes the predicaments that we find ourselves in can be far from home, with limited resources or support around.


Get yourself in a bind, lose the shirt off your back
Things may take a wrong turn, and you might find yourself losing valuable possessions, money, or even reputation and good faith.


Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare
In times of need, even the most basic essentials become too difficult to come by, and you may require help with everyday tasks, a place to stay, or transportation.


This is where the rubber meets the road
This is the moment of truth or the crucial point where things can either go forward or downhill.


This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is where the best of the best will start to shine and stand out from the rest.


This is what you really didn't know
You might have been oblivious to the people's true character or motivations until an unfortunate event or hardship exposed them.


This is where the truth don't lie
It's impossible to fake genuine concern, kindness, or support when someone truly needs it.


You find out who your friends are
In times of need, you'll discover who genuinely cares and has your best interests at heart.


Somebody's gonna drop everything
Your true friends will make you a priority and stop whatever they're doing to help you in a crisis without hesitation or second thoughts.


Run out and crank up their car
They'll move mountains to reach you, no matter how far, how difficult, or how expensive it might be.


Hit the gas get there fast
Time is of the essence, and your true friends know that every minute can count in a crisis, so they'll do everything to get to you as soon as they can.


Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.'
Real friends don't expect anything in return, nor do they hesitate to help for convenience's sake or if they gain nothing from it.


They just show on up with their big old heart
True friends are compassionate, empathetic, and genuinely care about your wellbeing, and it shows in the way they support and help you in times of need.


Everybody wants to slap your back
When you're successful or doing well, people may want to be associated with you, and share the spotlight or benefits you earn.


Wants to shake your hand
People might greet you, congratulate you, and show admiration for your accomplishments or achievements.


When you're up on top of that mountain
When you're successful, people might line up to benefit from your achievements or bask in your glory.


But let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up
However, when you face a setback, failure, or difficult situation, people might shy away, distance themselves, or even judge you harshly.


And see who's around then
At that point, you'll be able to see who truly supports and cares for you, and who merely wanted to share the benefits of your success.


This ain't where the road comes to an end
Hardship, loss, or failure aren't the end of the story, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow, and build new relationships and opportunities.


This ain't where the bandwagon stops
Many people might jump off the wagon when you face difficult times, but that doesn't mean that you're alone or that you should give up.


This is just one of those times when
This is a temporary and manageable situation, and there are still many good things and good people in your life.


A lot of folks jump off
Many people who were not true friends might distance themselves or cut ties with you when you face a crisis or difficult situation.


When the water's high
When you're dealing with emotional, financial, health, or other personal issues that can feel overwhelming and exhausting.


When the weather's not so fair
When external circumstances, such as a global crisis, economic downturn, or natural disaster, impact your wellbeing and the people around you.


When the well runs dry
When you can't rely on your usual sources of support, advice, or resources, and you're facing a tough and uncertain future.


Who's gonna be there?
You'll find out who truly cares and supports you, and who's just there for the good times or personal gain.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CASEY BEATHARD, EDWARD MONROE HILL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@TheStonerzombie420

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Get yourself in a bind, lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn't know
This is where the truth don't lie

You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas get their fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who you're friends are

Everybody wants to slap your back
Wants to shake your hand
When you're up on top of that mountain
But let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up
And see who's around then

This ain't where the road comes to an end
This ain't where the bandwagon stops
This is just one of those times when
A lot of folks jump off

You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.'
They just show on up with that big old heart
You find out who you're friends are

When the water's high
When the weather's not so fair
When the well runs dry
Who's gonna be there?

You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who you're friends are, you find out who you're friends are



All comments from YouTube:

@myrondaugherty4855

When Tracy is on, there isn’t a better voice in the history of country music.

@chvfd687

Past week this song has been my life. Christmas eve went to ER for what I thought was a hernia. Turns out it was a bacterial infection and prescribed antibiotics. NYE back in ER, rushed into emergency surgery to remove dead tissue. Laid up now in a hospital bed. The ONLY two who I figured that would have my back have proven to be the ONLY ones. Cleaning my house,taking care of my dogs,getting things prepped for my return home and for home health to visit. I'm thankful and blessed beyond measure for these two in my life.

@annunacky4463

With a big ol heart…cheers.

@renpete8950

"this is just one of those stops when, a lot of folks jump off"- felt that

@evalehde3869

One of those times

@scottywentzky

THIS hits hard!

@rosebud19591

Lost on side road.. yea me..

@rosebud19591

Been there, sad

@rosebud19591

Sad, drive a 2005 jeep

2 More Replies...

@yvonnebusby1529

The world today can't comprehend this type of friendship

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