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

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.