You've Been a Friend to Me
A Lifelong Bond: Finding Solace and Friendship in 'You've Been a Friend to Me'
Lyrics
My barque of life was tossing down
Life has been turbulent and challenging
The troubled stream of time
Refers to the difficulties experienced throughout life
Since first I saw your smiling face
Highlights a moment when the speaker first encountered someone
And youth was in its prime
Refers to a time of youthful vigor and energy
Oh, I'll ne'er forget, where'er I roam
Expresses a commitment to remember a person regardless of location
Where ever you may be
Emphasizes the ubiquity of the person being addressed
If ever I have had a friend
Acknowledges a strong bond of friendship
You have been that friend to me
Confirms the pivotal role of the addressed person as a friend
Misfortune nursed me as her child
Implies a close relationship with adversity
And loved me fondly, too
Personifies misfortune as a nurturing force
I would have had a broken heart
Expresses gratitude for preventing heartache
Had it not been for you
Reiterates the impact of the friend in preventing heartbreak
Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roam
Reaffirms the pledge to remember despite travels
Where ever you may be
Emphasizes the continual presence of the friend
If ever I have had a friend
Reaffirms the depth of friendship
You have been that friend to me
Reiterates the role of the person as a steadfast friend
Now I look back upon the past
Reflects on past experiences
Across life's troubled sea
Metaphorically refers to the challenges faced in life
And smile to think 'mid all life's scenes
Reflects on various life situations
You've been a friend to me
Acknowledges the constant support of the friend
Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roam
Reiterates the commitment to remember
Where ever you may be
Emphasizes the enduring presence of the friend
If ever I have had a friend
Confirms the depth and sincerity of friendship
You have been that friend to me
Reiterates the crucial role of the person as a friend
Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roam
Reaffirms the commitment to remember despite distance
Where ever you may be
Highlights the omnipresence of the friend
If ever I have had a friend
Confirms the enduring bond of friendship
You have been that friend to me
Reiterates the role of the person as an unwavering friend
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