Meaning of "Friendly Reminder" by Against The Current

"Friendly Reminder" is a song that conveys a message of resilience and self-empowerment. The lyrics depict the struggles the singer has faced, symbolized by tying flowers in the laces of their boots and draining the color from their room. These actions highlight the presence of pain and darkness in their life. The line "Took one too many beatings, was left broken and bleeding" suggests that the singer has endured emotional or physical abuse. Despite these difficulties, the singer wakes up and covers their bruises, indicating their determination to move forward and not let their pain define them.

The repetition of the lines "Hey, hey, I feel it, Hey, hey, I know it, Hey, hey, I give myself" throughout the song signifies the singer's self-awareness and acknowledgement of their emotions. It shows that they are fully aware of their pain but are choosing to give themselves a friendly reminder to stay strong. The chorus emphasizes the importance of smiling and recognizing that pain is temporary. It encourages the listener to remember that the difficult times will eventually pass.

The second verse introduces the vulnerability of feeling low and alone. The singer expresses their struggle with navigating these emotions but reinforces the idea that they are not alone, encouraging themselves to reach out for support. The line "I woke up in a wasteland, I retraced my steps to get back home" illustrates the singer's resilience and their ability to find their way back to a place of comfort and stability.

The bridge of the song symbolizes the singer climbing their way out of a dark place and letting go of negativity. The repetition of the phrase "Do your worst, I-I'll be alright, one day at a time" demonstrates their defiance and determination to handle whatever challenges come their way. It conveys the message that the singer is strong enough to face anything and will take things one step at a time.

Overall, "Friendly Reminder" is an empowering anthem that encourages resilience in the face of pain and difficult times. It serves as a reminder to stay positive, seek support, and believe that better days are ahead.