Forever Friend
The Elders Lyrics


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There was a time when we could disagree and still be honest men
Now there's no one left to listen, so brother grab all you can
It was a great run while it lasted, and a true nation's voice
We were always bound by common ground
Now there's nothing left but noise

If I fall help me stand I will be there
When I walk with nothin' teach me how to care
If I stumble make me strong, and raise me up again
I will for you my still forever friend

While the pinstripes stole their fortunes, the factories turned to rust
There's not much left to dream about and nothin' left to trust
Now there are slaves and there are mansions, forsaken and the thieves
Can we change the way the story goes and build what we believe

Sometimes I can remember when a man could find a way
To keep his home and family, now it's barely day to day




Are the best things all behind us, or given up for dead
A simple song to remind us what those came before us said

Overall Meaning

The Elders’ song, Forever Friend, highlights the changes that have occurred in society over time, leaving listeners questioning whether the valuable things in life have been lost forever. The lyrics signify a shift in values from honesty and camaraderie to selfishness and greed. The writer laments the lack of common ground, indicating that unity and understanding have been lost within the society. The pinstripes, which appear to represent the elite or wealthy, are accused of stealing the country's wealth, causing factories to become ruins and leaving nothing left to trust. The line "Can we change the way the story goes and build what we believe" suggests that the writer is hopeful that society can be reshaped for the better.


The phrase "forever friend" which is repeated throughout the song indicates that the singer is still hopeful that true friendship can still exist. The singer is asking for help from his friend, indicating that friendship is the key to getting through difficult times. The line "A simple song to remind us what those came before us said" suggests that the song serves as a reminder of past values that should be revisited. Overall, the song appeals to the listener's feelings of nostalgia and serves to point out the disintegration of societal values.


Line by Line Meaning

There was a time when we could disagree and still be honest men
In the past, a difference in opinion did not mean a loss of respect or honesty.


Now there's no one left to listen, so brother grab all you can
The current situation is dire, and one must seize opportunities for resources.


It was a great run while it lasted, and a true nation's voice
A sense of solidarity that once existed in the nation was unifying and powerful.


We were always bound by common ground
Common values brought people together in the past.


Now there's nothing left but noise
The current atmosphere is one of chaos and disorder.


If I fall help me stand I will be there
In times of trouble, I will be there to support you and help you stand back up.


When I walk with nothin' teach me how to care
Even when I have nothing, teach me how to show compassion and empathy.


If I stumble make me strong, and raise me up again
If I make a mistake or falter, give me the strength to get back up again.


I will for you my still forever friend
As your friend, I will always be there for you no matter what happens.


While the pinstripes stole their fortunes, the factories turned to rust
The wealthy have become wealthier while the working class has deteriorated.


There's not much left to dream about and nothin' left to trust
Opportunities seem scarce and it's difficult to find trustworthy people to rely on.


Now there are slaves and there are mansions, forsaken and the thieves
The wealth gap has resulted in extreme poverty alongside wealth obtained through unethical means.


Can we change the way the story goes and build what we believe
Is it possible to alter the current situation by creating a future that aligns with our values?


Sometimes I can remember when a man could find a way
In the past, it was possible for individuals to be resourceful and find solutions to problems.


To keep his home and family, now it's barely day to day
Keeping a secure home and supporting a family has become increasingly difficult in today's turbulent society.


Are the best things all behind us, or given up for dead
Have we already lost the best parts of our society or given up on fixing them altogether?


A simple song to remind us what those came before us said
This song serves as a reminder of the wisdom and knowledge left behind by previous generations.




Contributed by Grace W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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