The song "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers" by George Jones tells the story of a person who trusted and loved someone deeply, believing that their love would last forever. However, their love abruptly ended when the person they loved left without warning. The lyrics express the feelings of betrayal and disappointment experienced by the protagonist. They feel deceived and foolish for putting their faith in someone who ended up deserting them. The phrase "all my friends are gonna be strangers" refers to the protagonist's decision to no longer trust or rely on anyone, as they have been hurt before. The lyrics also convey a sense of regret and self-blame for not being more cautious and recognizing the true intentions of the person they loved. The mention of being "taken out and tarred and feathered" is a metaphorical expression of feeling humiliated for being fooled. Overall, the song explores themes of trust, heartbreak, and the resilience to move on from a painful experience. It serves as a cautionary tale about placing trust in the wrong person and the necessity of being more guarded in future relationships.