Around

NIKI's song "Around" delves into the profound and complex nature of a deep, enduring friendship. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that transcends the superficial, highlighting the raw and unfiltered connection between two people. The opening lines, "You love me with your bones / You hold me when I’m broke," suggest a love that is intrinsic and unwavering, providing support during the most vulnerable moments. This kind of love is not transactional; it is given freely and without expectation, as emphasized by the line, "You don’t ask for a thing."

The song also explores the idea of growing up together and the shared history that binds the friends. References to knowing each other's past, such as "You know who took me to prom," and witnessing each other's growth, "You’ve watched as my legs and pride grew taller," underscore the depth of their bond. Despite their differences, as noted in "we march to the beat of different drums," their connection remains strong. The recurring theme of questioning love, "What the fuck’s love? / All I know is love," reflects the confusion and uncertainty that often accompanies young adulthood, yet the singer finds solace in the certainty of their friendship.

The chorus, "Round and round we go / So much I don’t know," captures the cyclical nature of life and relationships. Despite the complexities and imperfections, the singer's hope is that their friend will "stick around ’til the end," highlighting the importance of loyalty and companionship. The metaphor of bleeding gold when cut signifies the value and rarity of their bond, even when faced with challenges. The song concludes with a sense of acceptance and mutual love, "You love me, I love you," reinforcing the idea that true friendship endures through all of life's ups and downs.