Friends
Whodini Lyrics

Friends
The word being addressed in the song, the importance of having friends in life is highlighted.

How many of us have them?
A rhetorical question to make listeners ponder about the number of true friends they have in their lives.

Ones we can depend on
The type of friends that people should aim to make; trustworthy individuals who are always there when needed.

Before we go any further, let's be
A call to action for listeners to realize the importance of building a strong foundation of friendship before proceeding with relationships or any other type of interaction.

Is a word we use everyday
Reiterating the commonplace use of the word 'friend', but highlighting how the meaning is often misconstrued.

Most the time we use it in the wrong way
The common usage of the word is incorrect and doesn't represent a true friend.

But the dictionary doesn't know the meaning of friends
Even the definition from the dictionary cannot fully encompass the true meaning and value of a friend.

Because a friend's somebody you judge for yourself
The definition of a friend varies from person to person and is something that can only be determined by the individual's own judgment.

Some are okay, and they treat you real cool
Some friends are good to have around and treat you well, and are easy to get along with.

And some mistake your kindness for being a fool
Some friends may take advantage of the kindness shown to them and may not be true friends.

We like to be with some, because they're funny
Humor is an important aspect of some friendships and can make them enjoyable.

Others come around when they need some money
Some people only approach their friends when they need financial assistance, which is not a trait of true friendship.

Some you grew up with, around the way
Friends that someone grew up with in the same neighborhood, town, or school.

And you're still real close to this very day
Some friends remain close through the ups and downs of life, and despite physical distance and time.

Homeboys through the Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall
Friends who have a strong bond that lasts through all seasons and phases of life.

And then there's some we wish we never knew at all
Not all people that someone meets in life will be true friends; there will be some bad experiences that they will wish they never had.

When we first went out together, we barely knew each other
The beginning of a relationship or friendship where the two parties don't know much about each other.

We had no intentions on becoming lovers
The initial intention was not to be romantically involved; they were aiming to just be friends.

Me and you, one on one, against the world
The supportive nature of a close friendship where the two individuals can rely on each other to face any obstacles.

Talking on the telephone for hours at a time
A portrayal of the depth of friendship that includes long, meaningful conversations over the phone.

Or else I was at your house, or you was at mine
The ease with which they can spend time at each other's houses, which is not possible with acquaintances or casual friends.

And then came the arguments and all kinds of problems
A portrayal of the different challenges that can be faced in any relationship, even a strong friendship.

Besides making love, we had nothing in common
A friendship that was built around a romantic relationship, but did not have strong enough foundations to survive without it.

It could've lasted longer 'cause it started out strong
If the friendship had started from the beginning instead of the romantic relationship, it may have stood the test of time and lasted longer.

But I guess we went about the whole thing wrong
The realization that the relationship between them was not built on strong foundations of friendship, leading to its ultimate failure.

Because we became lovers before we were friends
The main reason why the relationship failed was that they became romantically involved before becoming close friends, leading to weak foundations for a long-lasting relationship.

You say you and your girlfriend were so tight
A scenario where the people involved thought they had a close, strong friendship.

You took her out with you and your guy one night
A portrayal of a double date or a night-out scene that portrays the friendship as something fun and light-hearted.

She even had a set of keys to your home
Trust that they shared with each other, where they felt comfortable enough to give each other access to private spaces.

And you shared mostly everything you owned
A tight bond that led them to not just share time and space, but belongings as well.

But as she shook your hand, she stole your man
A betrayal where a friend engages in a romantic relationship with their friend's partner behind their back.

And it was done so sweet, it had to be a plan
The feelings of betrayal and surprise that come out when one realizes the nature and intention of their friend's actions.

Couldn't trust her with cheese, let alone your keys
A portrayal of lost trust, where the person can't even trust their friend to keep the little things safe anymore.

With friends like that you don't need enemies
The betrayal, hurt, and disappointment from a friend's actions can often feel worse than their enemies' actions.

You wonder how long it was all going on
A realization that the friendship that was considered strong and trustworthy, was not what they thought it was all along.

And you're still not sure if you're glad he's gone
Even after the relationship ends, the hurt and confusion can stay with someone for a long time.

You say, "Well, if she took him, he was never mine"
A self-protecting statement that comes out when people feel betrayed by those closest to them.

But deep inside you know that's just another lie
The realization that the hurt is deep when relationships that were considered close and trustworthy turn out to be false and superficial.

And now you're kinda cold toward people you meet
The effect of betrayal on future relationships, often leading people to feel guarded and wary of others.

'Cause of something that was done to you by some creep
The feeling of disgust and negativity that comes out after someone who was held in high esteem betrays the trust of their friend.

But nevertheless, I'll say it again
The reminder of the importance of having true friends, even though some may turn out to be false or betray the trust.

That these are the people that we call friends
A reaffirmation that the individuals who stand by and support us through the ups and downs of life are the true definition of friends.