Friendly Fire

Album: Nothing More (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was inspired by a falling out that Nothing More singer Jonny Hawkins had with his cousin. "There are people who like to talk about others behind their backs because it makes them a feel a certain way," he explained to Artist Direct. "I think it gives them a sense of power they may not otherwise feel in their everyday lives. Some get addicted to that."

    "I love my cousin," he continued. "We were good friends growing up. At some point, her, I would call it an addiction, to gossip spread to me even though we were on good terms. We loved each other, but it got to the point where I had Nothing More fans sending me messages worrying about me since they were getting this weird information from her. She was much more religious just like other parts of my life. She was really concerned with morals and their view of morals whether it comes to smoking weed or just having a drink. It's a big deal to someone who's really religious. She started talking behind my back. It turned into me having to defend myself in a very awkward situation where we could've talked face-to-face if she had an issue with me."

    "The song is about those kinds of people who are too cowardly to talk to your face, but they'll talk all day behind your back," Hawkins concluded. "They're addicted to it because it gives them a high and they get off on spreading information without you being there to defend yourself and give the other side of the story. She's not my enemy. She's someone I grew up with and loved. That's why it's called 'Friendly Fire.'"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Black Sabbath

Black SabbathFact or Fiction

Dwarfs on stage with an oversize Stonehenge set? Dabbling in Satanism? Find out which Spinal Tap-moments were true for Black Sabbath.