Old Friend
Rancid Lyrics

Good morning heartache
The feeling of despair is familiar and expected

You're like an old friend
It has come to a point where it’s expected to feel despair, like one would expect to see an old friend

Come and see me again
The singer is seeking despair again, just like calling an old friend to hang out

Look up you're in Cleveland again
Feeling lost and stuck in a familiar negative situation

A solid line that never ends
The cycle of despair feels never-ending

I got stories that you'll never believe
The singer has experienced so much despair that others couldn't relate or imagine

And I know it, I wear it, I wear it on my sleeve
The singer displays their emotions openly and without shame

There must be something about you that I liked
The familiarity of despair suggests a sort of twisted comfort and attraction to the feeling

But right here in the rain, you know, it just don't seem right
The rain and gloomy weather reflect the emotions and add to the melancholy feelings

I always go out, I never hide
The singer doesn't shy away from showing their raw emotions

But in Cleveland I should've stayed inside
Despite their usual openness, the singer feels like they should've hidden away from their despair in this particular situation

Testify my love for you
The singer acknowledges their love for despair in a dark and twisted way

And I know it runs deep through your body too
The singer knows the despair is ingrained deep within them and pervades every part of their being

From the cold black top to the hot concrete
Despair is everywhere, no matter the location or circumstance

And the old tin van, it ain't so sweet
Even the nostalgia of old memories is marred by the desperation and hopelessness associated with the past

Somewhere in America
The setting is unknown, just like the endless cycle of despair

Through the city at night
The urban landscape creates an eerie vibe, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of despair

And you were far from home
The feeling of being lost and adrift is amplified by the distance from familiar surroundings and loved ones

But you knew it was gonna be all right
Despite the feeling of despair and uncertainty, there is a small glimmer of hope and faith in the future

The unfortunate get preyed on by vultures' eyes
The vulnerable are often taken advantage of and exploited by others

Eighty-six cents in these pockets of mine
The singer is at their lowest point, both emotionally and financially

You can take my money, you can take my time
The desperation has taken everything from the singer, leaving them with nothing of value

But you can't take my heart, it's in the city behind
Despite the overwhelming despair, the singer still holds onto a piece of themselves and their love for the city they left behind