"Old Friend" is a heartfelt tribute to a dear friend who has been absent for a while. The song speaks to the emotions of missing someone and reminiscing about the good times shared together. It reflects on the camaraderie and the fond memories made with this friend. The lyrics indicate that it has been quite some time since the narrator last saw this friend, although it feels like just yesterday. The friend would laugh at the narrator and then fly away, which could metaphorically symbolize the friend's free-spirited nature or their ability to easily move on. The song acknowledges the passing of time and how things have changed, particularly in the music industry, but there is a persistent feeling that things are continuously drifting back to the friend. Despite this, there is always something missing, implying that even though life moves on, it will never be the same without this friend's presence. The song goes on to mention how people have written books about the friend, portraying them as an angelic figure, but the narrator knows that their friend had a mean streak as well. Despite that, the narrator acknowledges having lived through difficult times and strains without the friend's support. Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing and reflection on the impact the friend had on the narrator's life. The lyrics emphasize that this friend was "many things to many people" but above all, they were a true friend to the narrator. The song ends with the acknowledgment that even though time has passed and the friend has missed out on many things, the bond of friendship remains strong. The narrator declares that they have missed the friend but that the friend hasn't missed anything significant in their absence. Overall, "Old Friend" is a nostalgic and bittersweet song that explores themes of friendship, loss, and the lingering presence of a dear companion even when they are physically absent.
