Friends and Enemies

Album: Ellipsis (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Frontman Simon Neil explained the song's meaning to The Sun: "Sometimes people that you think are really good friends slowly pick away at you," he said. "It takes you a while to really realize and think, 'Wait a minute we are meant to be supporting each other and actually every time we hang out I feel a lot worse about myself. Sometimes you have people in life who are trying to tear into you each time."
  • The song starts with heavy tribal drums before developing an unusual swagger. Simon Neil told NME: "We've taken it into this weird, funky Bill Withers territory, but with Black Sabbath heaviness. It's a wonky pop song that should probably be a single, a bit of a glam-rock stomp."
  • This is bassist James Johnston's favorite track from Ellipsis. He explained to Artist Direct: "This song took quite a lot of work to get right in the studio and there's something really satisfying when you get that moment when you feel like it just clicks and everything falls in to place."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.