Friends With The Enemy

Poor Man's Poison's song 'Friends With The Enemy' delves into the profound struggle for personal freedom and the internal battles that come with it. The lyrics express a deep longing for liberation, with the repeated question, 'Will I ever be free?' This refrain underscores the persistent feeling of being trapped, whether by external circumstances or internal conflicts. The plea to be set free by a higher power, 'Oh Lord, set me free,' highlights the desperation and the hope for divine intervention in overcoming these struggles.

The metaphor of being 'friends with the enemy' is central to the song's message. It suggests that the protagonist's greatest obstacles to freedom are not just external forces but also internal ones. This enemy could represent self-doubt, fear, or destructive habits that keep the individual from achieving true freedom. The acknowledgment that 'you’ll never be free when you’re friends with the enemy' serves as a powerful reminder of the need to confront and overcome these internal adversaries.

The song also touches on the relentless nature of hard times, with lines like 'And them hard times keep comin’ at the worst times.' This reflects the universal experience of facing challenges when least expected, making the journey to freedom even more arduous. The imagery of walking alone and praying to make it through difficult periods, such as December, adds a layer of resilience and determination. Despite the hardships, there is a sense of perseverance and a belief in the possibility of better days ahead, as seen in the line 'Broken down but I'm holding out for better days.' This resilience is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and strive for a better future, even in the face of overwhelming odds.