Bad Friend

Rina Sawayama's song "Bad Friend" is a poignant exploration of friendship, nostalgia, and self-awareness. The lyrics take us back to the summer of 2012, a time filled with carefree nights and youthful exuberance. The vivid imagery of running through Tokyo's bright lights, getting drunk, and singing along to Carly Rae Jepsen captures the essence of a time when life felt limitless and friendships seemed unbreakable. However, this nostalgic trip is tinged with regret and self-reproach as the singer reflects on how things have changed.

The chorus reveals the crux of the song: the realization of being a "bad friend." Sawayama admits to being good at making an impact and creating memorable moments, but ultimately failing to maintain the friendship. This self-awareness is both painful and cathartic, as she acknowledges her avoidance and inability to handle the responsibilities that come with being a good friend. The repetition of "I'm a bad, I'm a bad, I'm a bad friend" serves as a mantra of guilt and acceptance, highlighting the internal struggle of reconciling past actions with present emotions.

The song also touches on the universal experience of growing apart from friends. The line "Guess we fell out, what was that all about?" encapsulates the confusion and sadness that often accompany the end of a close friendship. Sawayama's candid admission of overreacting and the subsequent fallout underscores the fragility of human connections. The bridge, where she invites listeners to raise their hands if they're "not good at this stuff," creates a sense of solidarity and shared experience, reminding us that everyone struggles with maintaining relationships at times.