Friend Like U ft. Jaden Smith
Ezra Koenig Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I never had a friend like you
I don't think I'll ever find another (wink)
All the bad things that we been through
It's so good we got each other

I know sometimes it's hard to find something to believe in
And nothing ever seems to last for more than just a season
But brotherhood and unity will never lose their style

I wanna let you know how much your friendship drives me wild

Yo, MC Kaz
Bringing the spells from the past
A friend like you is really hard to come by
Neo Yokio is sad and lonely
Sitting counting money in my penthouse
I just wish I had a magic homie
Arcangelo, you're kinda like my nemesis
We been head to head since the genesis
I just really hope that you remember this
I'm only rapping for you 'cause it's Christmas
I be in Neo Yokio scheming
'Cause I'm always chasing after demons
You think you flyer than me then you dreaming
You'll be my arch nemesis until I stop breathing, look

Yo, MC Kaz
Look, a friend like you is really hard to come by, yeah
Neo Yokio is sad and lonely, yeah
Swimming in the sea beneath 14th Street, yeah
I just really wish I had a magic homie, damn
Arcangelo playing my Nintendo, damn
Arcangelo in it out the window, yeah
Arcangelo, gonna start a band yo , wait
Arcangelo I turned on the piano, let's go!
Flex seeing Godly like, chill B
But I got Christmas trees trying to kill me
The greatest demon slayer I will be
I'm throwing cash riding on the Mecha, you feel me?

I never had a friend like you
I don't think I'll ever find another (wink)
All the bad things that we been through
It's so good we got each other

I know sometimes it's hard to find something to believe in
And nothing ever seems to last for more than just a season

But brotherhood and unity will never lose their style
I wanna let you know how much your friendship drives me wild

Overall Meaning

The song "Friend Like U" is a collaboration between Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig and Jaden Smith, which talks about the nostalgic and grateful feeling of having a friend who you can rely on through thick and thin. The lyrics emphasize the priceless value of having a loyal friend and how it's not easy finding someone like that in an ever-changing world. Despite facing hardships, the duo acknowledges that having each other made the ordeal easier and worthwhile.

The opening lyrics set the tone for the theme of the song, as Koenig sings about never having a friend like the one present before him. Later, it becomes more apparent that he's speaking to his friend Jaden, as he cleverly winks at him in the delivery of the line. The struggles they have been through gave them a more profound bond, and the lyrics suggest that it's improbable he'll ever find someone else like Jaden. He goes on to suggest that although life can be temporary in nature, the friendship between them is something that will last forever, exemplifying how important his friend is to him.

Jaden's verses talk about his struggles with loneliness and wanting a magic homie to keep him company. Arcangelo, his nemesis-like figure, comes into play with lines talking about how he could only rap for him because it's Christmas. Still, the lines' essence remains the same – he appreciates Koenig's friendship and how much it means to him.

Overall, "Friend Like U" is a catchy and uplifting ode to friendship – a refreshingly positive reminder that there are good people out there who are willing to stand by you.

Line by Line Meaning

I never had a friend like you
I have never had a friend who is as close to me as you are.

I don't think I'll ever find another (wink)
I think that you are one of a kind and that I will never find anyone else like you.

All the bad things that we been through
Despite all the hardships and difficult situations we have been in together.

It's so good we got each other
It is comforting to have you by my side through it all.

I know sometimes it's hard to find something to believe in
I understand that it can be difficult to hold onto faith in something or someone.

And nothing ever seems to last for more than just a season
Most things in life are temporary and do not last forever.

But brotherhood and unity will never lose their style
However, the bonds of brotherhood and unity are timeless and never go out of style.

I wanna let you know how much your friendship drives me wild
I want to express how much your friendship excites and motivates me.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ezra Koenig, Makonnen Sheran, Michael Tucker

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@xuantruong521

5y↑764

Arcangelo Corelli:
I never had I friend like you
(wink)*
I don’t think I’ll never find another
All the bad things that we’ve been through
It’s so good we got each other

I know sometimes it’s hard
To find something to believe in
Nothing ever seems to last for more than just a season
But brotherhood and unity will never lose their style
I want to let you know how much your friendship drives me wild

Kaz Kaan:
Yo, MC Kaz
Bringing the spells from the past
A friend like you is really hard to come by
Neo Yokio is sad and lonely
Sing, countin’ money in my penthouse
I just wish I had a magic homie

Arcangelo, you kind of like my nemesis
We’ve been head-to-head since the genesis
I just really hope that you remember this
I’m only rappin’ for you cuz it’s Christmas

I’ll be in Neo Yokio, scheming
Cuz I’m always chasing after demons
You think you’re fly, my enemy; then you dreamin’
You’ll be my arch nemesis until I stop breathin’, look

Yo, MC Kaz
Look, a friend like you is really hard to come by
Neo Yokio is sad and lonely
Swimmin’ in a sea beneath 14th street
Yeah, I just really wish I had a magic homie

Damn, Arcangelo playing my Nintendo
Damn, Arcangelo in and out the window
Arcangelo hit the center band
Oh wait, Arcangelo I’m turning up piano,
Let’s go!

Like seeing God he’ll be like chill, B
But I got Christmas trees, trying to kill me
The Greatest Demon Slayer I will be
I’m done with Kaz, riding on mecha, you feel me?

Arcangelo Corelli:
I never had a friend like you
(wink)*
I don’t think I’ll find another
All the bad things that we’ve been through
It’s so good we got each other

I know sometimes it’s hard
To find something to believe in
Nothing ever seems to last for more than just a season

But brotherhood and unity will never lose their style
I wanna let you know how much
Your friendship drives me wild

(You’re very welcome) x
I used the sub off of the show on Netflix to get the lyrics

@beriigirl

5y↑23

Janny Truong Thank you for posting the lyrics.
I already posted this but...
The second verse of Kaz’s rap becomes much more friendly towards Arcangelo.

“Damn,Arcangelo playing my Nintendo”
“Damn,Arcangelo in and out the window”

To me this could be interpreted as Kaz feeling like Arcangelo is playing with his emotions. “Damn” is usually used to show passion and/or frustration, in songs. Arcangelo is always teasing Kaz , but then he’s sweet to him and even risked his life to defend Kaz’s honor in S1.

You can say it’s not gay, and you can also be wrong.

@beriigirl

5y↑339

I love this love song. Arcangelo has such a crush on Kaz, he’s so genuine when he talks to him. He had to make him a song bc that was the most valuable thing he could think of, a way to convey his feelings for him.
Kaz is like a tsundere who didn’t realize his feelings for Arcangelo until he sang his song for him.
In S1 he didn’t even want to compete against him, he was happy when the bachelor board was destroyed bc he could be friends with him.
Then in this special he literally paid people off so he could be Kaz’s secrete Santa. He literally paid money to be able to give him the best present, he didn’t want anyone else getting Kaz a present.
Then he asked Kaz was to be his rapper only bc he had hoped Kaz was going to convey his true feelings to him through his present. But when Kaz presented him with the box, something material he was disappointed.
So by getting him to rap he knew that Kaz’s true feelings for him would come out, and they did. “You’re kind of like my nemesis...I’m only rapping for you because it’s Christmas.” He’s basically saying “Baka! It’s not like I like you or anything! Don’t misunderstand what I’m doing okay!”

Arcangelo writes Kaz a slow sensual guitar song and tells him“Your friendship drives me wild”... yeah that’s pretty romantic.
Then calls him a pink prince and kisses him tenderly ( not an exaggeration honestly re-watch the scene and listen to his voice and look at his facial expression).
Edit:
Also let’s not forget that in S1 Arcangelo actually was ready to die for his “homie’s” pride. He sacrificed himself during the race after Kaz finally acknowledged him as his “homie.” Without being asked, Arcangelo crashed into another car for him 🔥 🏎

All comments from YouTube:

@xuantruong521

5y↑764

@beriigirl

5y↑23

@mogunz3346

5y↑31

Janny Truong “You think you’re flyer than me then you dreamin’”

“Lexy and Gottlieb be like Chill B”

@millerwrightt

5y↑18

I think it's "sittin countin money in my penthouse" not "sing, counting money in my penthouse.

@xuantruong521

5y↑1

Miller Wright I used the lyrics from the sub off of the show

@xuantruong521

5y↑1

Evan Bridwell I got the lyrics off of the show’s sub

8 More Replies...

@toaster_boi

5y↑296

Pretty sure that Archangelo just confessed his feelings for Kaz in the form of a Christmas song.

@KaidoXO.

3y↑15

you're pretty wrong, they're simply just friends, homies even we cant have friendly love ? it always have to be a relationship dont it

@akashirob1465

3y↑2

Lmao

@cameronflowers2695

3y↑1

ong

@covertfro5774

3y↑1

@NorthRoseXO fr doe

@user-lt3rz4ki5t

3y↑1

JoshIsKindaUgly I actually don't ship because of tik tok, I don't even use tiktok.
Also, I don't ship these two anymore.
It's been like half a year and I've changed a bit by now lol.
(I usually only ship if it's at least somewhat canon.)

4 More Replies...

@kristasyrigos5916

1y↑4

“Nothing ever seems to last for more than just a season.” Wish you had one more season Neo Yokio.

@WelcomeToWonderland

5y↑502

I lowkey love Neo Yokio unironically

@brenon1441

5y↑35

i went into the show thinking it was going to be bad, especially after going onto a website from a person who said it was terrible. I only watched it because I looked up "comedy anime," and i watched all of the other good animes, but it turns out. I was right the anime was absolutely terrible.

Haha just kidding, I wanted to play with your emotions. I obviously didn't hate it because i went onto youtube just to find the song.

@WelcomeToWonderland

5y↑19

@I liek mudkipz Lol, the anime is terrible if you think about it but you just have to watch it as a comedy and it's honestly much better than most comedy anime in my opinion. But then again I wouldn't really class it as an anime it's a cartoon inspired by anime

@beriigirl

5y↑1

As you should

@vinceammirato

although chronically my eyes tears up from all the smoke yo

@inhle1688

same it’s amazing

4 More Replies...

@beriigirl

5y↑706

When musicians make an anime, they make sure that music is bangin

@TheBakuganmaster99

5y↑3

"musicians"

@brenon1441

5y↑2

true, except they are actually singers not musicians.

@anastasiaarmitage

5y↑13

@I liek mudkipz singers are musicians.

@iCollectCans

5y↑23

Ezra koenig is a top tier musician.

@inhle1688

@Sai Kaushal u right jaden is a artist😌

@Jackmaster03

5y↑145

It's a shame you can't get a version without the background sounds from the episode. It's such a great song :0

@staffbox1811

5y↑8

Yeah but the cheers and the train sound pretty cool

@lance9156

5y↑135

No one can hate Neo Yokio

@CCBrown92

5y↑227

Like, the road to realizing I unironically enjoy Neo Yokio ended with this song. I'm still humming it and I've been hunting for it.

@sydneydunning8263

4y↑1

Well it is vampire weekend lol. I love it

@wagtheyw4525

5y↑45

Neo Yokio is really a good show I advice all of you who are reading this u will definitely enjoy the show

@rosesugarman1372

5y↑16

I just loved the xmas special, and this song is just so catchy too!! Masterpiece.

@Traktornator

5y↑23

I need this on Spotify it’s highkey a banger

@abcdwgrr6287

5y↑24

I need this on Spotify right now!!! 😻

@lizgriggs107

5y↑270

When Kaz started rapping I was like "damn he actually got bars"

@strawberryboulevard

5y↑41

I mean,, he is is voiced by Jaden Smith who makes music

@lizgriggs107

5y↑5

@Sunflower Girl well I didn't know that at the time, either way it's impressive for the character to be talented (:

@strawberryboulevard

@Liz Griggs gotcha. It is pretty sick though and the song is a bop

@lizgriggs107

@Sunflower Girl yeah (:

@jaheimimford4871

Hon xv b y2k jhbvn ge

4 More Replies...

@DaMeloman32

5y↑202

They better continue this show

@dont_know4457

5y↑7

El_Oso_Gigante08 sorry to say but it didn’t end up doing that good and they didn’t want to continue

@lte9401

RIGHHTTT

@panchotheschitbag8604

3y↑4

Ah it’s been two years will we ever get this wish such a good show

@feiwnakausvkaxbdkebkswowbq8331

@Panchotheschitbag No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No
No No No No No No No No No No No No No

@bonehead156

They better fucking not

3 More Replies...

@nuthinguseful

5y↑63

I'd love a normal version of this without the background noise. But I've now listened to it so much I think I'd miss "Wink" at the beginning

I ate Tobelerone whilst watching the episode the second time.

@alyssasena

5y↑121

this episode convinced me enough to buy a Caprese hat and hoodie now, they better come thru with that merch

@thomasrharlan

5y↑15

Thanks for getting this out on the web! I'm an amateur DJ and I can't wait to chop it up with this track. In the words of Lexy, "You're a stand up guy, my guy!"

@NFiniteCombos

5y↑55

This song is so much better after you watch pink christmas and understand the what lead to this event. Had no idea that Jaden smith played Kaz though

@thomasrharlan

5y↑3

He and Ezra Koenig are the creators of the show. Ezra Koenig is also the lead singer of Vampire Weekend.

@thomasrharlan

5y↑2

Jude Law plays Charles and Susan Sarandon plays Aunt Agatha.

@bernardomarkuskampffdemelo4323

@Thomas Harlan And Steve Buscemi plays the judge...

@pumpkin857

5y↑18

Really needing a new batch of episodes, love this show

@Pinkiepiecupcakes109

5y↑375

Did anyone else laugh when he said wink instead of winking in the show 😂😭

@zoeaguillera4174

4y↑2

Pinkiepiecupcakes109 I cried lmaoo

@danielle_law

5y↑4

After watching the first season, I thought I ironically enjoyed this show. However, after hearing this song and watching the Christmas special... I realized I actually love this show, unironically

@serkadisbamnew6481

5y↑4

Omg I keep replaying this is amazing 😁

@theapexlegend5990

4y↑3

It really needs to be on spotify they have the other songs

@eyetoeyez411

There are other soongs?!

@brenon1441

5y↑31

Honestly, strangely addicting.

@Sylpheelucu

5y↑2

Love this song!!! ❤

@nex_flex5752

4y↑3

Most underrated show honest I saw somebody saw it was bad and put it off for a long time. Then I kinda starting thinking one day to watch it and give it a chance. BEST DECISION this has become my favourite show. I swear rewatching it only makes it better each time

@they.luvbaker2854

4y↑2

I wish they can make a 1 hour version of this

@eyetoeyez411

2y↑1

I want 10h Christmas party mix

@dnb715

5y↑1

I love Ezra Koenig's music soooooooooo much!!!! I'm so in love. I can't stop listening, his voice is so perfect 😍😍😍

@tybo6376

5y↑17

Can someone recommend me more songs of Jaden where he raps like this ❤

@eamqn1456

5y↑3

Jaden Smith - Only One is kinda like it sorta

@tybo6376

@EAMQN thx fam

@palebayls1305

ik this is late but listen to his CTV3 album ! :))

@xhentaisenpaix9977

2y↑1

2022 almost here and we out here still jamming and missing the shit out of Neo Yokio 😭❤🖤

@frogzilch5698

5y↑1

This show is just my favorite. Laughed way to many times and this song is lowkey good. ❤❤

@Florencia_YT

ameee sus voces son hermosas

@lolahalstead6782

5y↑734

you deserve this big toblerone

@riverbucknor2222

5y↑2

Lola Halstead 😂😂😂😂

@cortez4611

5y↑3

thats what kaz said when he went into helena's room

@darut0687

Yea it’s an actual luxury chocolate

@gadielphilip

5y↑16

Best song in an Anime.🙌🏾🔥

@rationalart1030

i keep coming back to this song man, its just so good!

@Sweetanabel17

5y↑15

My favorite new Christmas song🎄🎅🎁❄💋

@cameronflowers2695

the fact that i came back two years later because i enjoyed the actual episodes and when pink christmas dropped i enjoyed this song, i’ve been searching searching, just wish they would make more

@nissac2279

5y↑49

I love how he says wink instead of just winking lmao

@bluesalmonfactory

5y↑6

im so glad theres a full version

@officialjaybrown

5y↑2

Masterpiece.

@Ashtiny1347

I watched this whole series like 5 times 😂😂 it’s funny asf and the song dope 💯💯

@sebastiandk9575

5y↑1

The music in this series is fantastic

@MrSelex

5y↑49

When do y'all think it will drop on Spotify?

@imsxndro

5y↑8

tbh i don't know, I hope soon!

@MrSelex

5y↑4

byesandro I hope so too!!

@brenon1441

5y↑1

It was on spotify and then someone blocked it.

@TheDrunkenSnail

5y↑40

An under rated series

@bigboydaigle9318

5y↑2

Everyone hates this show but I really love it and I think this song is quite a banger.

@akizzy5709

5y↑1

I NEED THIS BEAT IN MY LIFE

@lilly9242

5y↑1

THIS SONG RULES!!!!!! GRAMMY WINNER

@stheteller7470

5y↑4

This show doesn't deserve hate

@ketameanii

5y↑8

I'm so glad I discovered this show this year lmao

@lilyrockwell6530

5y↑152

U a magic homie for compiling this.

@xxgammerxx8936

4y↑1

I love this song

@beriigirl

5y↑100

The second verse of Kaz’s rap becomes much more friendly towards Arcangelo.

“Damn,Arcangelo playing my Nintendo”
“Damn,Arcangelo in and out the window”

To me this could be interpreted as Kaz feeling like Arcangelo is playing with his emotions. “Damn” is usually used to show passion and/or frustration, in songs. Arcangelo is always teasing Kaz , but then he’s sweet to him and even risked his life to defend Kaz’s honor in S1.

You can say it’s not gay, and you can also be wrong.

@divinemanuel4354

5y↑4

archangelo also says "your friendSHIP drives me WILD"

@divinemanuel4354

5y↑5

also in the same episode archy kisses kaz kaan oof it gave my the chills
archy also called him a pink haired prince so it obvious they are gay

@nafallwrestling7642

@Divine Manuel wait what happened to him like dating girls

@alphakillmonger8531

5y↑6

Highkey a banger ‼️

@roanluht797

5y↑13

As soon as I saw the special I needed to find this song.
(I love this)

@kazy3318

4y↑2

A friend like you is really hard to come by

@Z.Toast1

3y↑1

Idk why people hate this show, it's frickin hilarious

@dimitrichristy630

5y↑1

This needs a proper release

@dontwanadisplaynameonutube2951

5y↑75

good thing i waited until sunday to watch it, to be able to be able to find this after. time to go re watch season 1. curious why people hate it so much, but i enjoyed it so i don't care to even find out why. not like their opinion will change mine. NEO YOKIO IS SAD AN LONELIE.

@jaycie.m

5y↑20

dontwanadisplay nameonutube I think the majority of people that hate it are the people who haven't actually watched it, or took it way more seriously than it was meant to be. I heckin' love this show

@kinisha5021

I LOVE it!

@brentt6714

@Thirsty Tuber I agree that the humor is niche, and that's why the people that love it... really love it.

@Talkone0

@Jaycie M. I agree, is not the best show. But the "anime stuff" (like 90s anime references) are parody and tribute to those series

@anthonywinffel1434

Gotta get this on spotify, cmon

@mikealanscott

5y↑7

Somebody please God make a loop of the first part.

@nancychorba9550

5y↑2

THIS SHIT GOES HARD ISSA BANGER

@vanossgaming-2477

Love the song

@danalilys

5y↑138

ezra koenig release the full remix version on spotify challenge

@birdlawco

La Bruja Bella it's not on spotify :(

@baebin6239

I love neo yokio it’s so good

@Dyno_98

5y↑1

It definitely deserves a big Toblerone

@Daruuma

5y↑7

So goood ! 👏🏾

@vanossgaming-2477

Love it

@Thistasteslikeass

5y↑2

RELEASE IT ON SPOTIFY

@liliams.alasmari2468

I love this so much I watch it on Netflix

@mya1207

5y↑1

Neo Yokio deserved more clout

@tiffanyt4005

Wow. Jaden Smith’s rapping is so cool.

@borger525

5y↑1

as much as i hate to admit it, this fucking slaps

@evancarnivele4337

5y↑16

That Neo Yokio Life

@tessmess7933

5y↑1

I lowkey want to learn the bass line

@NoRest4TheWicked1

Imagine if they released a studio version and jaden didn’t change his voice... yes Believe it or not he doesn’t actually sound like that when he raps

@rejavonklopp4701

5y↑1

Why does everyone hate this show?!? It’s great!

@D-Wizzyprods

This is so lit i listen to it everyday and i have been looking for this the music for so long

@artscalietta

5y↑5

its been forever since i've heard ezra sing something new
vampire weekend when my man??

@TheSanguineRage

Best song ever!!!!!

@olivernrgaard1683

5y↑125

The perfect song to enjoy with my Large Toblerone™

@Animehomie6293

I want more episodes of this anime.....😢

@spouge6529

3y↑1

this needs al lest 7 more seasons

@enchatedfire

thank you so much for this !!!

@tuckernutter

4y↑1

Sad this show didnt have more work done on it, I needed it but it was niche on its own.

@brinleymcneese2175

5y↑2

Lol kaz is just like confused and then turns into an amazing rap star just by saying "yo"

@brenon1441

5y↑2

Wiki how to become a rapper
Step 1: start with "Yo"
Step 2: profit

@beriigirl

5y↑339

@nervonabliss2071

5y↑21

He's not gay D: Stop trying to make him gay. Dear lord, please just let a show happen without a single character having to be gay for it to be "good"

@UnaHobbit1

5y↑37

I came here to listen a banger and suddenly I have a new way to see Arcangelo, my god.

@beriigirl

5y↑1

Laura Martin haha you’re welcome!

@beriigirl

5y↑17

KILL the KID I mean I didn’t ship it, until this special because there is so much evidence for it.

@beriigirl

jake walkes 🥰

28 More Replies...

@nahyucksplug

I love this too much

@TheNickp123

5y↑8

Is this going to be added to Apple Music?

@unicornify123

A whole bop 🤗

@miapitts7088

3y↑1

why isnt this on spotify? ugh

@eyetoeyez411

Spotify doesn't like cartoon songs for some reason with few exceptions like AT or Mlp :(

@eyetoeyez411

Animu too lulz

@kawaiimelly

So catchy 😂

@troythegreat777

5y↑2

BANGER!!!

@bxxtylover_6951

4y↑1

🔥🔥🔥

@miimoo1896

My new favorite christmas song

@waniyare9004

5y↑21

The first time I heard this I thought Arcangelo said "It's so gooey got each other"

@darkwf2199

5y↑2

I love this anime and this song

@Ianmybeloved_

I love this show

@seansossa4588

5y↑8

classic

@siknic

Neo Yokio is sad and lonely I just loved that

@AzraelAsItGetsVtuber

5y↑1

I remember Archangelo’s part being a bit longer for some reason.

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