Ain’t my friend (lyrics/chords).
I’ve seen a lot of requests for the lyrics and chords of this song bouncing around the Internet. So, I figured I’d put them in one place to refer people to, when asked.
It’s funny, when I wrote this song over the summer, I never imagined so many people would hear it, let alone like it. It was just the way I was feeling at the time.
For me, putting my feelings into words and melodies is like a little bit of redemption NOW. A way of saying, This hurts so much, but maybe it’s worth it–cause look. Here’s a song, now, and that’s directly related to what I was feeling. Couldn’t have one without the other.
It doesn’t necessarily make it easier while you’re in it–but pain can produce good things. Worthwhile things. So what I’ve learned is not to run from your pain, but to sit there. Listen to it. And then use it to make things. Just my two cents.
Ain’t my friend:
Chorus: Baby, you ain’t my friend, and I ain’t your last call, nor can I let my heart wonder how you feel about me at all. Cause you got all your fans, people who are on call, but I ain’t one of them, nor can I let myself pretend…
Oh-oh-oh…baby, you ain’t my friend
Oh-oh-oh
See, I don’t really really wanna just be your friend; we’re either gonna play this game or let the game end. I mean, sure, I’ll be polite and wave as I walk by, but it hurts way too much to act like we’re still fly after everything that happened, that happened between us; you’re so good at pretending while I just make a fuss; now, I ain’t saying that it’s now or it’s never gonna be, I’m just saying that this friendship feels impossible to me. And maybe someday it’ll be just fine between us, but that day ain’t today, and maybe there’s some truth to the way they always say that, baby, you’re from mars, and maybe I’m from, I’m from, I’m from Venus.
Chorus
It’s not like you were wrong when you decided that I didn’t belong next to you, it’s just hard to stand here with you, when I’m not really with you, do you know what I mean? Don’t think I’m trying to be mean–no! I think you’re just great! Too great, in fact, that’s why I take a step back; it’s just a matter of survival as I walk through this new trial, don’t take it personally, cause I’m just trying to live free, to take a deep breath now and feel what I feel. As I keep walking, watch me walking, no I won’t stop. Though you ain’t here–stop with all the fear, I tell myself again and again just as long as you say that you are my friend, so…
Bridge: Hey hey hey, a baby (bay bay bay); you live your life now and I’ll be busy living mine; Hey hey hey, a baby (bay bay bay); I already got quite enough friends now, thank you, yeah, I’ll be fine, fine, fine….
Chorus.
Chords: chorus/rap: C,G,Amin,F,G (with an occasional extra F and G thrown in for good measure; I trust you to figure out when)
Bridge: Amin, C, Amin, F, G
(yes, the chords are simple…have I mentioned I haven’t playing the ukulele for that long…?)
And there you go.
Peace!
in Performance, Thoughts and Feelings
as baby, bridge, call, everything, feelings, fly, friendship, fuss, little bit, lyrics and chords, melodies, Oh-oh-oh, pain, redemption, song, time, truth, two cents, wanna, way
Love it love it love it…even more knowing the exact words
you’re so cool.
Baby, you are my friend.
See what I did there? See? See? It’s LIKE the song, but the opposite.
Sorry for calling you baby just now. That was weird. Won’t happen again.
A stranger, but am still so stoked for you, Jessica! What a serendipitous rise for a beautifully poetic soul. I’m still touched by your song and I can’t wait to buy it! I also can’t wait for what is next. It has never happened before that I’ve been a fan at (or, in this case, close to) ground level. It is very exciting to read your posts and in some way it feels like you’re pulling us all with you. We get to share the head spinning whirlwind with you. It has helped me to remember what Christmas was like as a kid! God bless, Jessica, and I hope to hear more soon!
Thank you Jess! Let the Mega-Viral begin!
Beautiful. You have such amazing talent. I don’t even know you and I am excited for you! Best of luck. Can not wait to buy your album.
Three things:
1. You are AWESOME.
2. I could see you becoming, like, so big like the next Alanis Morrisette, like that big.
3. Your music reminds me of Alyson Greenfield a little bit – ever heard of her? You two should tour together. I’d go see that bill in a hot minute.
Keep it up, girl!!!
I first saw the video on the subway was blown away. I watched again at work, again, again, & again. It has been stuck in my head. It’s brilliant. I can sort of relate to your lyrics, I guess that’s why I think this song is awesome and your awesome and I don’t know you.
I look forward to an album. Do me a big favor, don’t stop. Ever.
Very fun to watch and soulful to listen to – lot’s of heart put into that one. Great work -
hehe funny I wrote a song about the same feeling years ago.. <3
And had a similar situation last year! "Let's just be friends." …seriously? I have enough friends!
truly great song. and wicked performances of it. be brave. go forward. come ahead.
I want to let you know that this morning I introduced your song to some of our Chinese students here in Beijing, showing the video and having them read (and then sing along with!) the lyrics! I hope you will find someone to help you put your video — along with your story — on youku.com.
It’s wonderful watching all this unfold from halfway around the world!
In a completely non-creepy way, I’m obsessed with you. Okay, not you, but your song! I keep singing it in my head and have been listening to it daily. And strangely I like the subway version better than the laundry room version. Something in your voice in the subway version just sounds so raw and real. Like the rest have said, excited for you and can’t wait to be able to buy your music!
Doesn’t get more real than that subway vid! I’ll be sharing your vid. Hang on for the ride!!!
I love that you put the chords up there — I was just hacking at my guitar (I suck, so it’s more hacking than playing) and since I stumbled across the subway video a couple days ago, I figured I’d try to play along. I am happy to say I got it right. Also, you sound great backed by a little industrial-strength distortion.
I was in NYC for vacation just a week ago, and I really wish I’d had the pleasure of being in that car for your mini-concert. Best luck to you.
Love your song
Just after some advice on the strum patten fpr the rap part.
I start off ok, then eff it
ha
hellllp xx
for*
Hi,
I’d just like to throw you major kudos. Wow. I’ve been a musician/artist for over 15 years now and seeing this song made my hair stand up! (very rarely does this happen, lol) You rock, and thank-you soo much for putting yourself out-there. If ever you’re in Canada and wanna jam…give us a ring! Take care and I hope you make the top 10. Congrats
mat