I’m not much into love songs, particularly those that depict “young love”. However every now and again I do come across a song that depicts love in a very raw and deeply emotional way. This is one such song. I can do no better than to quote from the NZ On Screen regarding this song:
Chris Knox has described this love song as being “about as naked as I get” and “utterly heartfelt in a way that ‘Not Given Lightly’ only hints at”. So it’s no surprise the video is perhaps his most personal, with striking images of his long-time partner Barbara Ward’s face, sometimes projected on and merged with Knox’s own image. Mix in some classic low-tech Knox animation and the simple big red heart image of the Beat album cover – and it’s a poignant little gem.
NZ On Screen – My only friend
My Only Friend was awarded the 2000 APRA Silver Scroll Award (Australasian Performing Right Association)
For Best NZ Songwriting. I’m surprised that this is the only Chris Knox song I have presented on Musical Mondays, as I like the “rawness” of his music. He’s also something of an icon here as he has had a huge influence on the development of a distinctive Kiwi sound.
Chris Knox – My Only Friend
My Only Friend If I want you it's purely that There's nothing else No one in this world I know like you If I lost you I would be as if bereft Of every single thing that makes us more than two When I touch you it means so much to me There is a sensual mystery to every move When I'm inside you, I know it is the only place To be completely free, completely true So you can trust me You can open every window, every door And let the light come flooding in And let the swollen rivers run For there is more of what you love inside of me Than even I can comprehend There is no end My only friend If I hurt you it's only that I'm trying To get deeper into everything you are When I enrage you, I know that you will understand How much we learn from venturing too far So you can trust me You can open every window, every door And let the light come flooding in And let the swollen rivers run For there is more of what you love inside of me Than even I can comprehend There is no end My only friend I know how hard it is to be Completely open, strong and free To say what's truly on your mind It's memories to unload The very essence of your soul That holds the key to your desire Just know I love you Yes, I think I know exactly What that old eluded cliche truly means I love you, it must be true I finally put it in a song instead of singing in my dreams
Another Spectrum 