Song Meaning
The lyrics pose a simple, almost childlike question: what happens if two people become friends? The immediate emotional tone is one of gentle curiosity and a touch of apprehension, framed by the hypothetical scenarios of blushing red and turning blue. It’s a tender exploration of the unknown territory of new connection, where the narrator wonders if their core selves will remain unchanged by the act of friendship. The core tension lies in the fear of the unknown and the potential for external judgment versus the simple desire for connection.
The narrator introduces a fascinating contrast between the present possibility of friendship and the imagined reaction of "the old ones." These figures, described as "a bit scared," seem to represent a more rigid, perhaps prejudiced, worldview that would view the merging of different states – symbolized by red and blue – as something "dangerous." Their imagined physical reactions, "getting spots on their faces" and "starting to itch," suggest a visceral, almost irrational fear of difference. This highlights the internal conflict: the desire for friendship versus the perceived threat of societal disapproval or misunderstanding.
The most striking craft element is the persistent use of color symbolism – red and blue. These aren't just arbitrary colors; they represent distinct states or identities that, when brought together in friendship, might be seen as incompatible by outsiders. The narrator’s hopeful counter-argument, that "red and blue can be just as good," and that "gnomes like us can be friends," reframes these differences not as flaws but as natural variations. The repeated question, "What happens if you and I become friends?" underscores the central, unresolved inquiry.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their disarming simplicity and the gentle way they tackle themes of difference and acceptance. By framing the potential challenges of friendship through the innocent lens of color and the imagined fears of "old ones," the song makes a profound point about embracing new connections. The concluding thought, "We’ll try and then we’ll see what happens / We might manage it / Because we are both small," offers a hopeful, humble resolution, suggesting that shared vulnerability and a willingness to try are the keys to overcoming apprehension and even celebrating our differences.
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