Meaning of Your best friend’s not an ATM by The Optionist

The Depths of Loneliness and the True Meaning of Friendship: Unpacking "Your Best Friend’s Not an ATM" by The Optionist

As I delved into the lyrics of "Your Best Friend’s Not an ATM" by The Optionist, I was struck by the raw emotion and vulnerability that permeates the song. The lyrics paint a picture of an artist struggling to find inspiration, grappling with the financial burdens of pursuing their passion, and yearning for genuine human connection. Through vivid imagery and clever wordplay, The Optionist masterfully captures the complexities of relationships and the importance of treating friendships with care.

The Artist’s Plight: Loneliness and the Cost of Creativity

The opening lines of the song, "A lonely artist just consuming things to know resolve. The burning artist has to burn out," immediately set the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The artist is portrayed as someone who is desperate for inspiration, consuming everything in their path in an attempt to find resolution. This image is both relatable and haunting, as it highlights the all-consuming nature of the creative process. The mention of "burning out" serves as a stark reminder of the toll that this relentless pursuit of inspiration can take on one’s mental and emotional well-being.

The Financial Burden of Artistry

The lyrics also touch upon the financial struggles that many artists face. "It’s quite the art if you can pay for it," suggests that the pursuit of one’s passion often comes with a hefty price tag. This line is particularly poignant, as it highlights the reality that many artists must face: the need to balance their creative endeavors with the financial responsibilities of everyday life. This struggle is not unique to artists, of course, but it is a particularly poignant theme in this song, as it speaks to the very heart of what it means to be an artist.

The Importance of Genuine Human Connection

The chorus of the song, "Your best friend’s not an ATM," serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of treating friendships with care. The lyrics are delivered with a sense of caution and perhaps regret, indicating that the narrator has committed this mistake in the past. By emphasizing that friendships should not be reduced to financial transactions, The Optionist raises important questions about the nature of human connection and the hazards of treating relationships as a means to an end.

The Complexity of Relationships

The lyrics also explore the complexities of relationships, highlighting the blurred lines between friendship and romance. "A good luck charm/charming that he’s down to fuck. Usually just a sigh guy, but sometimes he’s my guy," suggests a dynamic in which the narrator has a friend who is both supportive and sexually involved with them. This image is both relatable and uncomfortable, as it highlights the ways in which relationships can be complicated and multifaceted.

A Dash of Humor and Self-Awareness

The song also features a dash of humor and self-awareness, which serves to balance out the more introspective themes. "You laugh a quick snick. You be Morty, I’ll be Rick," references the popular animated show "Rick and Morty," adding a light-hearted touch to the song. This nod to pop culture is a clever way to break the tension and remind the listener that, despite the seriousness of the themes, the song is ultimately about the human experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Your Best Friend’s Not an ATM" by The Optionist is a deeply introspective song that explores the loneliness and financial struggles of artists. Through its clever wordplay and self-awareness, the song invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of personal relationships and the challenges faced by those in pursuit of their artistic passions. As someone who has experienced the struggles of being an artist, I can attest to the power of this song to capture the essence of the creative process. The Optionist’s lyrics are a powerful reminder of the importance of treating friendships with care and the need to find inspiration in the world around us.

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