Friend of a Friend

The Smile's song "Friend of a Friend" delves into the complexities of social interactions and the often superficial nature of connections. The opening lines suggest a sense of freedom and the ability to go anywhere, but this freedom comes with the need to transform oneself, hinting at the pressures to conform to societal expectations. The imagery of 'cut out shapes and worn out spaces' and adding 'sparkles' to create the right effect underscores the artificiality often involved in fitting in. The protagonist stays in this environment, despite the underlying disappointment, suggesting a resignation to the status quo.

The recurring phrase 'buried from the waist down' evokes a sense of being stuck or immobilized, unable to fully engage or move forward. This is further emphasized by the line 'stop looking over our shoulder,' which could imply a need to stop dwelling on past mistakes or anxieties. The flimsy window balconies symbolize the fragile nature of these social interactions, where friends step out to catch a fleeting moment of sunshine, representing brief, superficial connections.

The song also touches on themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning. The protagonist believes in an 'altered state' where openness and genuine communication are possible, but this ideal is contrasted with the reality of busy telephone lines and evasive answers. The repeated questioning of 'where did all that money go?' and the mention of it ending up in 'somebody's pocket, a friend of a friend' highlights themes of corruption and the elusive nature of trust and transparency. The loose change symbolizes the remnants of these broken promises and the small, often overlooked details that reveal the larger issues at play.