Lyle Lovett is an americana singer-songwriter and actor from Klein, Texas, … Read Full Bio ↴Lyle Lovett is an americana singer-songwriter and actor from Klein, Texas, who has been described as "the thinking man's cowboy". While typically associated with the alt-country genre, his albums typically incorporate folk, swing, blues, jazz and gospel music as well as more traditional country & western styles. The Night's Lullaby Songfacts reports that after twenty-six years with Curb, Lyle Lovett released his eleventh and last album for the record label, Release Me, on February 28, 2012. The record is mainly made up of covers that Lovett has played, but never got round to recording.

The four-time Grammy winner has acted in a number of films and been a guest-star on television. Lovett was married to actress Julia Roberts for a short time in the mid-1990s. In 2002, he was gored by a bull while working on his uncle's farm in Texas, but soon recovered and resumed touring.

Old Friend
Lyle Lovett Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Old friend
All the stories to tell
Old friend
Could you bid me farewell
Old friend
It might be easy for another man to see
Old foe
All the pain and the scars

Old foe
Could you lay down your arms
Old foe
It might be easy for another man to see
Put your head down on my pillow
Put your hand on me and hold on
Hold on
Put your head down on my pillow
Put your hand on me and hold on
Hold on
Old friend
Old friend
Old friend

It might be easy for another man to see
But I think you still look a lot like me

Overall Meaning

Lyle Lovett's song "Old Friend" is a powerful and emotional tribute to the complexities of friendship and the human experience. Lovett uses the metaphor of a friend or a foe to explore the pain and scars that people carry with them through life. The lyrics are poignant and heartfelt, as Lovett asks his old friend to say goodbye and put their past conflicts aside. The chorus invites his friend to lay down their arms and hold on tight. Lovett sings, "Put your head down on my pillow, put your hand on me and hold on, hold on" as an emotional plea for his friend to find comfort and solace in their connection.

The song's message is one that resonates with listeners who have experienced the ups and downs of life and the complex relationships that come with it. Lovett brings a raw and honest vulnerability to his performance, capturing the bittersweet longing for connection and the pain of letting go. The song highlights the importance of forgiveness and the power of human connection in the face of adversity. It is a touching tribute to the human experience and the importance of friendship in navigating life's challenges.

Line by Line Meaning

Old friend
Addressing a long-time friend

All the stories to tell
Recalling all the shared experiences and memories

Could you bid me farewell
Asking if it's time to say goodbye

It might be easy for another man to see
Acknowledging that outsiders may view the situation differently

Old foe
Addressing a former enemy

All the pain and the scars
The damage caused by the past conflict

Could you lay down your arms
Asking if it's time to forgive and let go of grudges

Put your head down on my pillow
Offering comfort and support

Put your hand on me and hold on
Urging the friend or former foe to seek emotional connection

Hold on
Encouraging to persevere and hold tight to each other

Old friend
Referring again to the long-time friend