The lyrics depict a sense of loss and betrayal as the singer realizes that a friend who he thought would always be there for him has changed and is no longer dependable. The imagery of fading lights, a departing crowd, and moving to a new city conveys a feeling of loneliness and disappointment.

Meaning of "Friend of Mine" by Barclay James Harvest

The lyrics of "Friend of Mine" by Barclay James Harvest delve into themes of betrayal and change within relationships. The fading lights and departing crowd symbolize the end of a chapter in the singer's life, where he realizes that the friend he once relied on is no longer the same. The imagery of heading for the sun and the promise of pretty girls in a new city suggest escapism and the search for something better, only to find that the sense of betrayal follows him. The repeated refrain of "You'd better run, stop from crying all the time" highlights the singer's inner turmoil and the struggle to come to terms with the end of a friendship. Ultimately, the song laments the loss of trust and the pain of growing apart from someone who was once a significant part of the singer's life.