I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road: Old Friend
Michael Feinstein Lyrics
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Nothing lasts, people change
Every time I lost another lover
I call up my old friend
And I say let's get together
I'm under the weather
Another love has come to an end
And she listens as I tell her my sad story
And wonders at my taste in friends
And we ponder why I do it
And the pain of getting through it
And she laughs and says, "You'll do it again"
But we sit in a bar and talk till two
'Bout life and love as old friends do
And tell each other what we've been through
Our love is rare, life is strange
Nothing lasts, people change
And I ask her if her life is ever lonely
And if she ever feels despair
And she says she's learn to love it
'Cause that's really all part of it
And it helps her feel the good time when they're there
Yes, we sit in a bar and talk till two
About life and love as old friends do
And tell each other what we've been through
Our love is rare, life is strange
Nothing lasts, people change
And we wander if I live with any lovers
Or spent my life alone
And the bartender is dozing
And it's getting time for closing
So we figured that I'll go out on my own
But we'll meet the year was '62
And travel the world as old friends do
And tell each other what we've been through
Our love is rare, life is strange
Nothing lasts, people change
Love is rare, life is strange
Nothing lasts, people change
Old friend
"Old Friend" is a heartfelt and reflective song that delves into the transient nature of love, the evolution of relationships, and the solace found in the company of a trusted friend. The lyrics convey a sense of acceptance and resignation towards the ever-changing nature of love and life.
The singer, after experiencing the end of yet another love affair, seeks solace in the company of an old friend. This friend serves as a confidante, someone who patiently listens to the singer's sad story and offers support. They share a deep understanding of each other's experiences and emotions, as evidenced by their conversations in a bar until the late hours of the night.
The song acknowledges the universal truth that nothing in life is permanent and that people often change. The singer and their friend discuss the ups and downs of their respective love lives, finding solace in the fact that they are not alone in their experiences. They contemplate the reasons why they continue to pursue love, despite the inevitable pain and heartbreak it can bring.
The singer asks their old friend if she ever feels lonely or despair, to which she responds that she has learned to embrace those emotions as an integral part of life. She acknowledges that experiencing the lows makes the highs even more cherished and meaningful. The song suggests that their friendship serves as a source of comfort and understanding, providing a space to share their joys and sorrows.
In the closing lines, the song alludes to a nostalgic memory of a past year, 1962, when the singer and their friend traveled the world together. While they acknowledge that they must now go their separate ways, they reminisce about the past and the profound connection they share as old friends. Through the ups and downs of their individual lives, they find solace knowing that their friendship has endured and will never fade.
Overall, "Old Friend" captures the essence of the bittersweet nature of love and friendship. It acknowledges the transient and ever-changing nature of relationships, while finding solace in the unwavering camaraderie and understanding that comes from a true friend.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is rare, life is strange
Love is not easily found, and life often brings unexpected challenges
Nothing lasts, people change
Nothing remains permanent, and individuals evolve over time
Every time I lost another lover
Whenever I experience the end of a romantic relationship
I call up my old friend
I reach out to my trusted companion
And I say let's get together
And I propose meeting in order to reconnect
I'm under the weather
I am feeling emotionally defeated
Another love has come to an end
Another romantic relationship has reached its conclusion
And she listens as I tell her my sad story
And she attentively hears my tale of heartbreak
And wonders at my taste in friends
And ponders why I choose certain companions
And we ponder why I do it
And we consider why I repeatedly experience these situations
And the pain of getting through it
And the agony of overcoming the aftermath
And she laughs and says, "You'll do it again"
And she chuckles and suggests that I will repeat this pattern
But we sit in a bar and talk till two
However, we spend hours conversing in a tavern
'Bout life and love as old friends do
About the intricacies of existence and relationships, as longtime acquaintances typically discuss
And tell each other what we've been through
And recount our respective experiences
And I ask her if her life is ever lonely
And I inquire about whether she encounters solitude in her life
And if she ever feels despair
And if she ever experiences hopelessness
And she says she's learned to love it
And she states that she has embraced those feelings
'Cause that's really all part of it
Since such emotions are an inherent aspect of life
And it helps her feel the good time when they're there
And it enables her to appreciate the moments of joy when they occur
And we wonder if I live with any lovers
And we contemplate if I am currently involved with any romantic partners
Or spend my life alone
Or if I lead a solitary existence
And the bartender is dozing
And the bartender is starting to fall asleep
And it's getting time for closing
And it is nearing closing time for the establishment
So we figured that I'll go out on my own
So we concluded that I should depart by myself
But we'll meet the year was '62
But we plan to reunite in the year '62
And travel the world as old friends do
And explore the globe together like long-standing companions do
And tell each other what we've been through
And share our individual journeys with each other
Our love is rare, life is strange
Our bond is unique, and life's circumstances can be unpredictable
Nothing lasts, people change
Nothing remains eternal, and individuals transform
Old friend
Dear companion
Lyrics © Regard Music
Written by: LYLE PEARCE LOVETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
valery
What great rendition of this heart-breaking ballad. Usually performers present this song in a WAY too fast tempo or too hip/jazzy. I was privileged to see Michael Feinstein perform this song in person--I was in the fifth row--at the San Francisco Symphony Hall. His crystalline voice is perfect. I recall just spilling tears I had been holding in for years. You could hear a pin drop after the last piano note hung in the air. Close to the finest moment during live theater for me. Glad his rendition of this is not lost to history.
Sufferin Succotash
Heartbreaking is the perfect adjective. So much pain but so beautiful at the same time.
cbhagman
I love this one. It makes a wonderful companion to Feinstein's lovely reading of Sondheim's "Old Friends," which he pairs with "Not While I'm Around." Just beautiful.
METRO DAILY
Superb performance by Michael Feinstein, his voice plus the lyrics pinned me down to my sleep, it's perfectly cool.
Keith Hall
Increadible song. One of my all time favorites. I heard him do this in concert...and I swear there were many teary eyes.
1crankyvet
Well said Charles. You have summed up so many peoples feelings with those very kind & sincere words.Not that it means anything but Im a strait ex soldier and I would guess at first glance people would think with all my tattoos and the look I sport due to service that it would put me more in the rock, or what ever bracket. How wrong could they be. Thanks for your words once again Charles. Michael's music and persona touches me too, he is truly a treasure and I could listen to his works for hours on end.
Jenny Evans
this is a good song, and covers that awful feeling when we lose a lover... and later on when we come to our senses, not in the sing... we are damn glad we got out of that love affair. But don't we love to hash the lost lover, that is healing and we need that!!! thanks for this great rendition of this song. May love NEVER die!
Charles Davis
Dearest Michael; I don't know how to thank you for a life-time of such joy, sadness, insight and laughter that you have shared with me. I've been under you spell for years and you've touched my heart so many times. We may never meet but I pray you know that someone "out there" like me... loves you and thanks you for you... being the wonder of you. Sincerely, Charles Davis
Charles Davis
@rhoda l I hope he reads these little love notes, too. Only Jane Olivor and Michael have touched my soul in this special way that actually transcends time itself.
John Torell
I’ve been a huge Michael Feinstein fan for about 20 years now. If you haven’t seen him in person, you gotta go out of your way to see him in person- you will not regret it. He has a connection with his audience that surpasses any other artist I’ve seen (I used to be in the music business)