Friend Or Foe?

Riverside's song "Friend Or Foe?" delves into the complexities of identity and authenticity in the modern world. The lyrics question the nature of self-presentation, particularly in an era dominated by social media and digital personas. The repeated inquiries—"Who do you pretend to be?" and "Are you fake or real?"—highlight the struggle to discern genuine identity from constructed facades. The song suggests that many people are merely imitating others, becoming copies rather than original beings, which raises concerns about the loss of individuality and authenticity.

The lyrics also explore the idea of being 'neo' or 'post,' terms that can be interpreted as references to contemporary and postmodern identities. These identities are often 'remade of love,' implying that they are constructed based on external influences and societal expectations. The cyclical nature of these constructs is emphasized through phrases like "we go round and round" and "update, upload," suggesting a never-ending loop of self-reinvention and adaptation to fit in or stand out in a digital landscape.

Furthermore, the song touches on the concept of customization and desire, questioning how much of one's true self remains after being filtered and masked to meet others' expectations. The line "Or maybe you're a collection of everything I want" implies that people might be tailoring their identities to appeal to others, thus losing their genuine selves in the process. This raises a critical question about the impact of digital culture on personal authenticity and the difficulty of distinguishing between friend and foe in such a constructed reality.