Song story

Why we can’t be friends

some feelings won’t stay buried

Girl wears white tank top, fairy lights in background — Xusenru on Pixabay

My friends took me to Murphy’s, the dive bar in town, You were propping up the bar, and my heart got the bends, Should’ve turned back then — should’ve known my limits, But my sunny side argued, ‘we can be friends’.

Man, I couldn’t stop looking, and my insides were raw, My heart a jackhammer, and my thoughts on rewind. Your greeting was cool, but your stare was red-hot Dragged up the feelings I thought I’d left behind.

The band was rocking, the crowd was a crush, My friends were for dancing, where’s the harm in that? As I flicked my hair, I wondered if you were watching, Put a sway in my hips, not a nonchalant act.

Your hair’s gotten longer, looks like you’re hitting the gym, But you drink the same beer and fill your jeans just right. I’ve moved to the city, only here to see friends, Getting dragged to the old haunts for one final night.

Those lips round your bottle, once kissed me to sleep, Spoke my name on a whisper, made me want to believe Dreams of a future, and that I was your world. But I was careless and restless, I wanted to leave.

Now my bag’s on my shoulder, ‘cos my girls have made plans. Your ocean eyes call me, but I blink and ignore, Can’t linger with longing, alter history, Or put your heart back together, so I walk out the door.

© Posy Churchgate 2026, All rights reserved

Recently I’ve been watching every episode of Yellowstone, and its spin-off Dutton Ranch, getting into the ‘cowboy’ vibe. For several months I’ve been tuning into country music and I have to take my (ten gallon) hat off to those songwriters — they are true storytellers.

This little poem was partially inspired by two songs: Maren Morris We Can’t Be Friends and Chris Stapleton You Should Probably Leave, spliced with that sinking feeling that you broke-up/ended something that maybe could’ve gone the distance. I’m the kind of person to give ventures a second, or third chance, hating to close the door for good, but sometimes that is the healthy thing to do.

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