Ellie Goulding Dedicates "Army" To Her BFF

There are not nearly enough songs about platonic friendship, but Ellie Goulding's new single "Army" about her BFF is looking to change that. Goulding released "Army," the second single off her upcoming album Delirium, on Friday a few hours before she posted an explanatory note on Instagram. "I realized that I had focused a lot of writing on past relationships," she writes. "And it hit me that I had never written about my best friend."

Goulding hits on a really good point; the vast majority of songs, especially love songs like "Army," are about romantic relationships. "Army" is a beautiful, traditional love song, and, without the note, most people would have assumed that it was about a romantic relationship — because that's what we're used to. When most pop stars sing about their friends, it's about going out and having a good time, which is definitely important, but what about the more serious side of friendship?

In a cultural moment that celebrates female friendship, why hasn't there been an earnest anthem dedicated to friends since "Wannabe?" "Army" could very well be its successor, and it is even more unapologetically affectionate, using the format of a romantic anthem to celebrate one very special relationship. Here are the lyrics that best encapsulate best friendship in "Army."

On Encouragement:

"You never let me give up"

Unlike regular friends, best friends can seem like jerks when they don't want to put up with you, and you only later realize that they had your best interest at heart.

On Being A Shoulder To Cry On:

"All the nights and the fights/And the blood and the breakups"

Your best friend is there for you even when you break up with Skrillex.

On Friend Crushes:

"16 and you never even judged me/Matter of fact I always thought you were too cool for me"

It's good to be a little bit in awe of your best friend.

On Partying Together:

"All the nights we've been drunk on the floor"

It happens.

On Strength:

"When I'm with you/I'm standing with an army"

The chorus of the song speaks to the empowering feeling of having unconditional support.

On Gossip:

"We both know what they say about us"

Being gossiped about isn't so bad when you have someone to laugh about it with.

On Perspective:

"Dark times, you could always find the bright side"

A fresh and cheerful perspective is one of the best gifts a friend can give you.

On The Little Things:

"How you cringe when you sing out of tune/And yet it's everything/So don't change a thing"

This is too accurate, even though singing around Ellie Goulding sounds stressful. Check out the rest of Goulding's note.

Isn't that sweet? Wherever Goulding's BFF is right now, I'm sure she's smiling and texting her hearts.

Image: Giphy (8)