Stay Away From My Friends
Pierce The Veil
The Emotional Turmoil of Love and Friendship in 'Stay Away From My Friends'
Pierce The Veil's song 'Stay Away From My Friends' delves into the complex emotions surrounding a tumultuous relationship and the need for support from friends. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both consuming and destructive. The opening lines, 'Waking up your neighbors downstairs / I've been inside your bedroom a thousand years,' suggest a relationship that has become all-encompassing, almost suffocating. The mention of being tied to the bed 'for good' and wanting the partner in 'the most unromantic ways' hints at a love that has lost its tenderness and become more about possession and control.
The chorus, 'So, baby, stay away from my friends / Cause I need them to carry me when it's over,' highlights the singer's reliance on friends to help him through the aftermath of this toxic relationship. The imagery of 'glass hearts shattering' symbolizes the fragility of his emotional state. The song also touches on the pain of intermittent contact, as seen in the lines, 'But now you only call me every Christmas and my birthday,' which underscores the sense of abandonment and longing.
The song's bridge, 'You don't know what it's like to wake up in the middle of the night / Scaring the thought of kissing razors,' reveals the darker side of the singer's mental state, hinting at self-destructive thoughts. The plea to 'stay away from my friends' is a desperate attempt to protect the few sources of stability and support he has left. Overall, 'Stay Away From My Friends' is a raw and emotional exploration of the interplay between love, pain, and the need for friendship in times of crisis.