My Friend
Paper Lion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're pushing out the door
The winner isn't last
We rise up through the floor
You jump the hatch and then
Come crashing down
The best show off of all
You call out and your arm is pulp
And if I never met you,
I would be different
He makes the casting call
While we gain thirty pounds
We decorate the walls
Tell stories that we never tell again
The laughing camera shakes
It's funny how we never got the take
I know you are my friend,
And if I never met you,
I would be different
I know you are my friend,
And if I never met you,
I would be different,
And if I never met you
I know you are my friend
In “My Friend” by Paper Lions, the band sings about the power of friendship and how it shapes who we are. The song begins with a sense of urgency, as someone is pushing out the door and trying to win. However, the focus quickly shifts to friendship, as the band reminds us that the winner isn’t always last. They rise up through the floor and jump the hatch, but they soon find themselves crashing down. Despite this setback, they stay true to their friends, even when one of them is injured – “you call out and your arm is pulp”. This line speaks to the idea that friendship means being there for someone in their time of need, even when it’s not easy.
The song goes on to describe the different ways that friends can impact our lives. They may make the “casting call” while we “gain thirty pounds”, but they also help us “decorate the walls” and tell stories that we’ll never forget. The laughing camera shakes as they try to capture these moments, but they never quite get the perfect shot. This again speaks to the idea that life is messy and imperfect, but it’s those imperfections that make our friendships all the more valuable. The chorus repeats the line “I know you are my friend, and if I never met you, I would be different” multiple times, emphasizing the importance of this one relationship in shaping who the singer is. Overall, “My Friend” is a heartfelt tribute to the people in our lives who make it all worth it.
Line by Line Meaning
We're pushing out the door
We're leaving, moving forward
The winner isn't last
Winning isn't about coming in last, but about doing your best
We rise up through the floor
We're growing stronger and becoming better
You jump the hatch and then
You take risks and go for it
Come crashing down
Sometimes things don't work out and we fail
The best show off of all
The greatest ones showcase their talents
You call out and your arm is pulp
You push yourself to the limit and exhaust yourself
I know you are my friend,
I'm aware of your supportive and loyal nature
And if I never met you,
Without you, my life would be different
He makes the casting call
He's the one who decides who's in or out
While we gain thirty pounds
While we struggle to get ahead, others are succeeding effortlessly
We decorate the walls
We make our space our own and add our personal touch
Tell stories that we never tell again
We share memories and moments that are special and once-in-a-lifetime
The laughing camera shakes
The camera captures our laughter and good times
It's funny how we never got the take
It's amusing how we couldn't get it right
I know you are my friend,
I value and cherish our friendship
And if I never met you,
Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today
I would be different,
My life would be altered without you in it
And if I never met you
My life would lack the joy and support that you bring
I know you are my friend
I'm grateful for the special bond we share
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: COLIN BUCHANAN, DAVID MACDONALD, JOHN MACPHEE, ROB MACPHEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MORindie
This track gives such nostalgia. Loved this track since I first heard it, and still can't get enough. Amazing video, can't wait to hear more. <3
Paper Lions
+MORindie Fantastic. Thank you so much!
Neesh
we need more music like this! truly beautiful, raw, talent filled music! love this song and video! xx
Paper Lions
+Manesha Bains Thank you so much! Really appreciate your kind words.
임준우TV
It was probably 2006 when I watched their show at youth hostel in kelowna B.C. Since I came back to Korea in 2007, that album has been my favorite. I’m sure that they are the most underrated band in the world.
Mafalda Morais
i love all of your music! you guys are just amazing! never stop making music, you have always my support! your music makes me feel really happy, it s wierd but its true! one day you should come here to portugal! keep doing what you guy do!
Paper Lions
+Mafalda Morais Would love to come to Portugal! I know a man who winters in Portugal from our home town of Charlottetown and it sounds like a wonderful place.
P Peskey
I could listen to this song a million times.
Paper Lions
If You're Pleased As Punch With Where You Live And Proud Of What You Do. Nice! We're working up plans for something bigger than we have ever done on PEI. If we did that would you be game for helping us get the word out about the show?
P Peskey
+Paper Lions I'm from the same place you are. Islander through and through!