Friends

The Velvet Underground's song 'Friends' delves into the complex emotions that arise when a deep friendship teeters on the edge of something more. The lyrics capture the internal struggle of the narrator, who is grappling with feelings that have evolved beyond the platonic. The opening lines, 'How can I tell her? What can I say?' set the tone for the song, highlighting the difficulty of expressing these newfound emotions to someone who has been a long-time friend. This hesitation and fear of ruining a cherished friendship are central themes throughout the song.

The lyrics also reflect the narrator's frustration and helplessness, as seen in lines like 'When I look at her, words just won't come' and 'When I try to write them, found I couldn't recite them.' These lines suggest a deep emotional block, where the narrator is unable to articulate their feelings, further complicating the situation. The recurring mention of dawn symbolizes the inevitable passage of time and the urgency of confronting these emotions before it's too late.

The song also touches on the theme of unrequited love or the fear of it. The line 'When I look in her eyes, all I see is goodbye' suggests that the narrator senses a lack of reciprocation, adding another layer of melancholy to the narrative. The repetition of 'Friends for so long, so long' at the end of the song underscores the enduring nature of their friendship, while also hinting at the potential end of it if these feelings are revealed. The Velvet Underground's poignant lyrics and melancholic melody create a powerful exploration of the fragile line between friendship and love, and the emotional turmoil that comes with it.