Many of us will be going home to see friends soon, but seeing people only during the summer can strain those relationships.

“No Excuses,” by stalwart grunge band Alice in Chains, is a reminder that old friends are worth far more than you might expect.

Occasional lead guitar melodies add flair above the tight, varied percussion and light rhythm guitar. The song has a summer-y feel, but its lyrics are more somber.

Layne Staley sings something of a realization that work is exhausting and unfulfilling and friendships are too important to lose.

Before the last return of the chorus, Staley sings, “You my friend / I will defend / and if we change, well / I love you anyway.”

Especially after a difficult semester and the never-ending snowfall, that’s the best message I can think of to return home to.

From the 1994 album “Jar of Flies.”