Friend of Mine

In an interview today, I got to ask Matt Berninger (Thanks Jen!) about this song. Basically what he said was it was based on an actual event in his life between him and a friend. The song is about a friend who was in a tough situation and Matt, trying to be a good friend, gave him advice. However, this advice only lead his friend off in the opposite direction and ultimately brought even worse results. He said he felt terrible afterwards and just had this sinking guilt that was hanging over his head.

I think it's a situation everyone can relate to. When you bring a friend in the wrong direction you have nervous panic weighing down on you. And if it's bad enough, it's all you can think about, wondering if there's anything you can do or say to make things better.

Matt never said exactly what the situation was or it's results, nor did he say whether him and his friend ended up alright.

As far as the "balloon man" goes. I asked him and he said that he was referring to himself when he said "that man's a balloon", meaning that he felt sort of "like an airhead" or foolish for giving him bad advice.

Anyways, I hope this helps.

"that man's a balloon" I've always taken this to mean that he's filled with hot air. He's fake and leading his friend the wrong way.

So someone's just explained what it means, after interviewing the singer who told him, yet you still think you know better? Interesting.

I love how someone will explain direct from the horse's mouth what something is meant to mean, and yet someone else will still give a different (and plainly wrong) explanation!

I love the "Fake a heart attack, you gotta get back to me" line. It's kind of grimly funny.

I thought people who like The National would be liberal types but I'll be the first to state the obvious...isn't it about a gay couple, one's been seduced by some rich balloon creep with a limo. The narrator just wants his boyfriend back no matter what kinky shit he's picked up on his travels.

"i have 2 sets of headphones i miss you like hell" love it!

Wanting to get a friend back safe and sound away from the seediness of balloon men and limousine usery.

methinks it's about heroin addiction

I can't believe more people haven't commented on this song. I think it's one of the best on Alligator.

Anyway, I think this song is about caring for someone deeply, seeing them in a situation that you know isn't good for them, and wanting desperately for them to get out of there for their own good. It's a very selfless song, and it's written out of honest care and in the best interest for another person.