We're Going To Be Friends

Jack Johnson's song "We're Going To Be Friends" captures the pure and simple essence of childhood friendship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the start of a new school year, with the excitement of new shoes and school supplies. The song's protagonist, likely a young child, expresses a sense of optimism and certainty about forming a new friendship with Suzy Lee. This is evident in the repeated line, "I can tell that we are going to be friends," which underscores the innocence and straightforwardness of childhood connections.

The song continues to explore the daily adventures and routines of school life. Walking to school, playing in the park, and discovering bugs are all activities that highlight the carefree and curious nature of children. The lyrics also touch on the small, yet significant, moments that make up a school day, such as learning to spell, participating in show and tell, and having the teacher mark their height against the wall. These details evoke a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity and wonder of early school days.

Moreover, the song emphasizes the bond between the two friends as they navigate their school environment together. They share experiences, sit side by side in class, and support each other. The line, "The teacher thinks that I sound funny, but she likes it when you sing," suggests a mutual appreciation and acceptance between the friends, despite any quirks or differences. The song concludes with a sense of continuity and hope, as the protagonist dreams of their shared experiences and looks forward to another day of friendship and discovery.