Best Friends

The Weeknd's song "Best Friends" delves into the intricate dynamics between love and friendship, exploring the boundaries and emotional risks involved. The lyrics suggest a relationship that has evolved from a romantic entanglement into a deep friendship. The protagonist acknowledges a past filled with 'toxic love' and expresses a desire to maintain a secure bond without the complications of romance. The repeated line 'You're my best friend now' emphasizes the transformation and the current state of their relationship.

The song also touches on the theme of responsibility and the fear of causing emotional harm. The Weeknd sings about not wanting to be 'responsible for your heart if we fall,' indicating a reluctance to rekindle a romantic relationship that could potentially lead to more pain. This sentiment is reinforced by the admission of being 'clumsy' and possibly 'tear[ing] it apart.' The lyrics reflect a cautious approach to preserving the friendship without crossing lines that could jeopardize it.

However, the song also acknowledges the complexity of maintaining a platonic relationship when there's a history of intimacy, as seen in the lines about 'sex as friends.' The Weeknd conveys the difficulty of setting boundaries and the confusion that can arise when lines get blurred. The repeated phrase 'friends no more' suggests a struggle to define the relationship, hinting at the possibility that one or both parties may still have lingering romantic feelings, complicating their attempt to remain just friends.