Hold On To Your Friends

Morrissey's song 'Hold On To Your Friends' delves into the complexities and importance of maintaining friendships. The opening lines, 'A bond of trust has been abused, something of value may be lost,' set the tone for a narrative about the fragility of trust and the potential loss that comes with neglecting meaningful relationships. Morrissey emphasizes that material possessions and career achievements are fleeting compared to the enduring value of true friends. The advice to 'give up your job, squander your cash - be rash' underscores the idea that friendships should be prioritized over transient gains.

The song also touches on the futility of conflict, especially with those who are close to us. Morrissey questions why one would waste time 'fighting the people you like,' highlighting the absurdity of such actions when these are the very people who would 'fall defending your name.' This sentiment is a call to cherish and protect friendships rather than letting them deteriorate due to misunderstandings or pride. The repeated refrain 'hold on to your friends' serves as a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable support and loyalty that friends provide.

In the latter part of the song, Morrissey addresses the imbalance that can sometimes occur in friendships. He laments being contacted only when the other person is 'feeling depressed,' while being forgotten during happier times. This imbalance strains his patience and loyalty, leading to the warning that one might end up 'losing all of your friends.' The song concludes with a cautionary note to 'bear in mind, oh, there just might come a time when you need some friends,' reinforcing the idea that friendships are a crucial support system that should not be taken for granted.