"A Friend I Call Desire" by Ultravox explores the complex emotions and conflicts that arise from desire and the pursuit of love. The lyrics depict a dynamic between two individuals - one who is driven by a burning need and longing for love, and another who tends to distance themselves from it. The song suggests that the protagonist, referred to as "you," is someone who lives for love, gives for love, and fights for it. On the other hand, the speaker, referred to as "I," longs for love, takes from it, and runs from it. There is a clear dichotomy between the two characters, with desire acting as both a friend and an enemy to them. The lyrics highlight the all-consuming nature of desire, describing how it drives emotions and becomes the cause for a lover's crimes. It conveys how desire can be overpowering, leading individuals to do things they might not otherwise do. The song also touches on the theme of control, as the protagonist realizes that they cannot control or suppress their desires. The repetition of phrases such as "And the pain, and the lust, and the want" and "And the hurt, and the lies" emphasizes the intense and often conflicting emotions associated with desire. The chorus refers to desire as a friend, suggesting a sense of familiarity or even dependence on the feeling, despite its potentially destructive consequences. Overall, "A Friend I Call Desire" delves into the complicated nature of desire, exploring the push and pull between longing for love and at times avoiding it due to fear, pain, or self-preservation. The song invites listeners to reflect on the powerful influence of desire in their own lives and the choices it may lead them to make.
