Keshi later interpolated the first verse of "just friends" into his 2018 hit "like i need u," bridging the two songs into a larger narrative about unrequited love and the thin line between love and lust. keshi - just friends lyrics - Musixmatch

The verse shifts into a darker, more possessive tone with the line, "If I can't have you, no one can". It reflects a sense of desperation and the fear of losing someone to "somebody new".

"just friends" by keshi is a poignant dive into the messy, unrequited territory between casual connection and deep romantic longing. Released in 2017, the track has become a staple of keshi's lo-fi R&B catalog, known for its raw vulnerability and minimalist production.

The song captures the internal struggle of being "just friends" when the reality of the relationship suggests something far more complex.

The chorus immediately challenges the label of the relationship, asking, "If we fuckin', are we just friends? / Are we just friends?". It highlights a disconnect where one person wants a casual label while the other is deeply invested.