Used To Be Friends

The overall theme of the song revolves around the complexities of a once-close friendship that has shifted into something uncomfortable and painful. The lyrics reflect feelings of anxiety and pressure, as one person tries to navigate their emotions while the other seems to disregard boundaries. It’s a relatable take on how friendships can warp under emotional strain, leaving one person feeling small and helpless.

Verse 1

I was honest for the second time
I guess that wasn't really what you had in mind
Said that you could like me if you wanted to
Then followed me around until I talked to you

In this first verse, we see a person trying to express their feelings honestly, but it seems like their truth isn't reciprocated. The line about being followed suggests a sense of pressure from the other person, making it clear that this friendship is not as easy as it should be. There’s a hint of discomfort as the singer realizes that their honesty is not being respected. This sets the tone for the emotional turmoil that follows.

Chorus

And could you tell that you were scaring me
Called me crying, said you thought you were in love with me
Cut my hair enough that I won't look the same

The chorus emphasizes the fear and confusion the singer feels. The other person's emotional outbursts add to the pressure, and the mention of changing their appearance symbolizes a desire to escape the situation. It’s like the singer is trying to become someone new to cope with the overwhelming feelings of the friendship, highlighting how deeply affected they are by the other’s actions.

Verse 2

I'd already had enough then
I already gave an answer and still it wouldn't end
You didn't care what I said
Guess it was just another rule that you could bend

Here, the frustration builds. The singer feels unheard, even after trying to set boundaries. The idea of bending rules points to a lack of respect in the relationship, showing that the other person is willing to ignore what matters to the singer. This verse paints a vivid picture of someone feeling trapped, wanting their voice to matter but being consistently dismissed.

Chorus

Even at my best I'm still just small to you
Dragged me halfway down the hall 'cause it was easy to
What a funny feeling when you're pushed around
You don't even know you're falling till you're on the ground

This chorus reinforces the feeling of being dominated in the friendship. The imagery of being dragged down the hall suggests a loss of agency, where the singer feels powerless. It captures the moment of realization when someone recognizes they’re being mistreated, but it’s often too late. This adds a layer of sadness, as the singer grapples with their vulnerability.

Bridge

I'd already had enough then
I already swore to be a person I'd defend
Carry me to the deep end
What could be worse than having nothing to depend on?

In the bridge, there’s a sense of resolve mixed with despair. The singer has reached their limit and vows to protect themselves. The line about the deep end suggests a willingness to face difficult emotions, but it also raises a question about relying on others. The idea of having nothing to depend on hits hard, emphasizing the loneliness that comes from feeling let down by someone who was once a friend.

Outro

You were just waiting on a call
I never cared for it at all
You were so hopelessly dissolved
I never wanted you to take the fall
Take the fall

The outro wraps up the song with a sense of finality. The idea that the other person was waiting for a call shows their expectation and desire for connection, but the singer’s indifference marks a shift. The emotional weight of the friendship has dissolved, and there’s a sense of relief in not wanting to bear the burden anymore. It’s an honest conclusion to a complicated relationship.

Closing Thoughts

"Used To Be Friends" does a great job of capturing the push and pull of friendships that can turn toxic. It highlights the importance of boundaries and the pain that can come from feeling overwhelmed by someone else’s emotions. Ultimately, the song resonates with anyone who's felt the weight of a friendship that’s become more of a burden than a joy.