The song "Friends" by Empire of the Sun tells a story about the narrator's deep longing for someone who has disappeared from their life. The lyrics suggest that this person was somehow taken away or lost, leaving the narrator in search of answers and closure. The opening lines, "Straight down the line I watch you disappear / Before my eyes saw through solid air," convey the suddenness and mysterious nature of the person's disappearance. The narrator feels conflicted because others tell them not to care, but they still feel compelled to find this missing individual. The mention of "sliding doors and the thirteenth floor" may symbolize different dimensions or possibilities that the narrator explores in their quest to find the person. They feel a sense of distortion in reality as they try to make sense of their world without this individual. There is a tone of caution and fear in the lyrics, as the narrator expresses being scared of their own friend. This suggests that the friendship has been shaken or changed in some way due to the disappearance. The line, "Way down the climb the second that you left," implies a downhill spiral or a loss of control since the person's departure. The lyrics also touch upon the narrator's attempts to distract themselves from the pain, such as taking drugs or seeking temporary escapes. However, they cannot escape the fear and longing that still lingers. Ultimately, the song explores themes of loss, confusion, and the struggle to move on when someone important goes missing from your life. The narrator grapples with the haunting memories of their friend and the fear that now accompanies their presence.
