Friends Forever
Old 97´s Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was not a stoner nor an inline skater
Was not a player nor a player hater
I was just a bookworm on a respirator
Who's to say that's wrong
I was in the chess club
Didn't have a swimming pool much less a true love
I was just a brain whose brain never let up
Who's to say that's wrong
The twelve years after five
Are years we're lucky to survive
Hang in there friends forever
In memory far away
Hang in there friends forever
In memory far away
Went out for the football team
Found out the hard way that you can't live your Dad's dream
Had pretty thin skin to be in the machine
Then I found a guitar and the rest's a fanzine
Who's to say that's wrong
The moral of the song
Is that the high school kids are wrong
You know they have been all along
Come graduation day you'll be gone
Hang in there friends forever
In memory far away
The song "Friends Forever" by Old 97's is a nostalgic trip down the memory lane of high school life. The song begins with the singer describing himself as a debater and a bookworm, who didn't fit into any of the social groups typically found in high school, such as stoners, skaters, or players. This is a sentiment that many of us can relate to, especially those who never fit into high school's mainstream social hierarchies. The singer then reflects on his time in the chess club, a group that isn't typically considered as popular, let alone in high school. He says he never had things like a swimming pool or a true love, highlighting his mundane, ordinary life.
As the song progresses, the singer reminiscences on how hard the years after fifth grade were and how lucky they are to have survived them. The chorus "Hang in there friends forever, in memory far away" is a message to his high school friends, imploring them to stay strong, reminding them that no matter where life takes them, their memories and friendships will stay with them always. The song then takes a turn when the singer talks about trying to fit in by going out for the football team to live up to his dad's dream. However, he realizes that it's not his passion and eventually finds solace in playing the guitar which leads to the formation of a fanzine.
The song's moral is that high school kids are wrong as they prioritize status, popularity and significance which are fleeting, and short-lived. Once you leave high school, these things become immaterial. This song is a reminder that it's okay to be different and that high school is just a phase in life, and real friendships last forever. The song's lighthearted rockabilly vibe, poetic lyrics and overall feel-good energy make it an excellent pick-me-up bittersweet song about high school memories.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a debater
I was a person who enjoyed debating and discussing various topics.
Was not a stoner nor an inline skater
I did not partake in smoking marijuana, nor did I rollerblade frequently.
Was not a player nor a player hater
I was neither someone who played around with other people's emotions nor someone who hated those who did.
I was just a bookworm on a respirator
I was a person who loved books and studying, and also needed medical assistance with breathing.
Who's to say that's wrong
There is no person who can definitively say that what I was interested in or who I was is inherently wrong.
I was in the chess club
I participated in the club where we played the board game of chess.
Didn't have a swimming pool much less a true love
I did not have the luxury of having a swimming pool or a significant other to love.
Didn't have a dalliance much less a hot tub
I did not indulge in brief romantic affairs or had a hot tub to unwind and relax in.
I was just a brain whose brain never let up
I was someone who loved using their intellect to study and learn, and always thought about different subjects and topics.
The twelve years after five
The twelve years of education following the age of five, which refers to the time spent in middle school, high school, and even college.
Are years we're lucky to survive
These years are ones that we are fortunate to make it through, as they can definitely have their fair share of challenges and difficulties.
Hang in there friends forever
Stay strong and persevere, as we are true friends for life.
In memory far away
These moments and memories may seem far away in distance or time, but they will be remembered fondly.
Went out for the football team
I tried out for the school's football team, which can be a physically demanding and challenging sport.
Found out the hard way that you can't live your Dad's dream
I realized that I could not fulfill my father's aspirations for me and instead had to follow my own path in life.
Had pretty thin skin to be in the machine
I had a sensitive and emotional disposition that made it difficult to fit into the standardized routine of school and society.
Then I found a guitar and the rest's a fanzine
I discovered my love for playing the guitar, and after that, my life became more fulfilling and exciting, leading to my own story of success.
The moral of the song
The overarching lesson imparted by this song
Is that the high school kids are wrong
High schoolers can be misguided and incorrect in their judgments and opinions.
You know they have been all along
It is a fact that they have been in the wrong for a significant amount of time.
Come graduation day you'll be gone
Once graduation day comes around, you will move on from high school and these experiences, leaving it all behind.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind