Best Friend by Rex Orange County Lyrics Meaning – Dissecting the Heartache Behind the Hit
Lyrics
‘Cause right now I see all these people that love me
But I still feel alone
Can’t help but check my phone
I could’ve made you mine
But no, it wasn’t meant to be and see, I wasn’t made for you
And you weren’t made for me
Though it seemed so easy
And that’s because I wanna be your favorite boy
I wanna be the one that makes your day
The one you think about as you lie awake
I can’t wait to be your number one
I’ll be your biggest fan and you’ll be mine
But I still wanna break your heart and make you cry
But won’t you wait?
You know it’s too late
I’m on my own shit now
Let me tell you how it feels to be fucking great
I feel great
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
You need to be yourself
Love someone for loving you instead of someone really cool
That makes your heart melt
Who knows what you truly felt?
You’re still my favorite girl
You better trust me when I tell you
There ain’t no one else more beautiful in this damn world
In this damn world
You’re gonna wanna be my best friend, baby
You’re gonna wanna be my best friend
I said that
You’re gonna wanna be my best friend, baby
You’re gonna wanna be my best friend, best friend
You’re gonna wanna be my best friend, baby
You’re gonna wanna be my best friend
Best friend
You’re gonna wanna be my best friend, baby
You’re gonna wanna be my best friend
I say that I’m happy
I say that I’m happy
But no, no, no, no
No, no, no
Oh, I still wanna be your favorite boy
I wanna be the one that makes your day
The one you think about as you lie awake
And I can’t wait to be your number, your number one
I’ll be your biggest fan and you’ll be mine
But I still wanna break your heart and make you cry
I still wanna be your favorite boy
I wanna be the one
I might just be the one
Rex Orange County, the multi-talented English singer-songwriter, has a knack for crafting songs that resonate with the tangled feelings of youth and love. His track ‘Best Friend’ is no exception, delving deep into the complexities of unrequited love and the crossroads between companionship and romance. Crafting a narrative that’s both universally relatable and achingly personal, this song has become a touchstone for many grappling with the realities of modern relationships.
Yet, the beauty of ‘Best Friend’ lies in its layers. What might first come off as a straightforward lament, upon closer inspection, reveals a rich tapestry of emotion and reflection, painting a picture of someone wrestling with their place in another’s life. Throughout the following sections, we’ll explore this melodic journey, unearthing the hidden meanings and standout lines that have endeared ‘Best Friend’ to listeners around the globe.
The Labyrinth of Unrequited Love
At the heart of ‘Best Friend’ is an exploration of unrequited love. But far from being a mere recounting of one-sided affection, Rex Orange County weaves a tale of emotional introspection and desire for reciprocation. The protagonist feels invisible, plagued by the realization that while he can be surrounded by people who care for him, the absence of that one special person’s affection leaves him feeling hollow and disconnected.
This dichotomy is etched into the song’s lyrics with a raw simplicity, capturing the very essence of what it means to crave not just love, but to be someone’s favorite person, their ‘number one’. The juxtaposition of public admiration with personal solitude serves as a profound commentary on our need for significant connections amidst a world of superficial relationships.
Navigating the Push and Pull of Emotions
The emotional tug-of-war that defines ‘Best Friend’ finds its power in the push and pull between yearning and resentment. It’s this constant back and forth that brings the song to life. The singer admits a desire to be both adored and heart-breaking—the latter not out of malice, but as a testament to the depth of his feelings.
Listeners are taken through the highs of imagining a role as a treasured confidant while simultaneously acknowledging the lows of wanting to provoke emotion, any emotion, from the object of his affection. It’s a reminder of how love and pain are often two sides of the same coin, and how sometimes, the deepest connections are born out of the most tumultuous emotions.
The Power of Authenticity in Love
Throughout ‘Best Friend’, Rex Orange County makes a compelling case for authenticity as the cornerstone of meaningful relationships. In the candid bridge, he calls for loving someone for who they are rather than an idealized version. The focus shifts from chasing someone ‘really cool’ to appreciating a person who touches your soul and understands your true self.
This moment of clarity serves as a reminder to listeners that true love isn’t found in the grand gestures or the glossy veneer of perfection, but rather in the quiet recognition of shared humanity and sincere emotion. Such honest revelations make ‘Best Friend’ more than just a song—it becomes a mirror reflecting the listener’s own journeys in finding and cherishing real connections.
Peering into the Song’s Hidden Depths
While ‘Best Friend’ could be dismissed by some as another entry into the canon of indie pop love ballads, its hidden depths reveal a complex narrative of growth and self-realization. The upbeat, seemingly innocent surface of the melody belies the song’s more somber lyrical content, creating a dynamic tension that invites repeated listening and deeper consideration.
This layered approach allows Rex Orange County to address themes of independence (‘I’m on my own shit now’) and self-worth, encouraging listeners to examine their own perspectives on personal growth, confidence, and the complicated dance between dependence and self-reliance in relationships.
Memorable Lines That Capture the Collective Heart
‘I wanna be the one that makes your day’ — a sentiment so raw and relatable, it sticks with the listener long after the track has ended. It’s in such lines where the song’s heart beats loudest, highlighting the universal longing to be someone’s source of joy, to play a starring role in the narrative of another’s life.
Yet, perhaps the most impactful moment comes with the admission of wanting to ‘break your heart and make you cry.’ It’s a poignant reflection of the frustration and helplessness that accompany unreciprocated emotion, and the bittersweet acknowledgement that sometimes, the strongest indication of love’s existence is measured in the pain it can cause. Such raw articulation of complex emotions is what cements ‘Best Friend’ as an anthemic ode to the trials and tribulations of modern love.
