The lyrics of "Best Old Friend" by Bonnie Raitt reflect on the cruelty of fate when it comes to true love, the feeling of loneliness and the disappointment of unreciprocated love. The protagonist wishes they could have been the best old friend the other person ever had but ultimately finds themselves feeling alone and unfulfilled.

Meaning of "Best Old Friend" by Bonnie Raitt

The lyrics of "Best Old Friend" delve into themes of unrequited love, loneliness, and the disappointment that can come from giving more than you receive in a relationship. The protagonist is grappling with the pain of feeling unappreciated and abandoned by someone they cared deeply about. Despite trying to make it on their own and finding solitude to be fine at times, they still long for a lover's comfort and support. The song captures the bittersweet realization that they could have been the best old friend to this person, but now must come to terms with the fact that they will have to find comfort within themselves. The vulnerability and raw emotions expressed in the lyrics make it a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships and the struggles of unreciprocated love.