The Stranger Lyrics

[Verse 2]
Once I used to believe
I was such a great romancer
Then I came home to a woman
That I could not recognize
When I pressed her for a reason
She refused to even answer
It was then I felt the stranger
Kick me right between the eyes


[Chorus]
Well, we all fall in love
But we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets
There are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised
That you never saw the stranger?
Did you ever let your lover
See the stranger in yourself?

[Post Chorus]
Don't be afraid to try again
Everyone goes south every now and then
You've done it
Why can't someone else?
You should know by now
You've been there yourself

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About

Genius Annotation

“The Stranger” is the title track from Billy Joel’s critical and commercial breakthrough album. Featuring a traditional rock outfit, the song begins with a slow, moody melody – reminiscent of a soundtrack of a noir film. At the bookends of the track there is also someone whistling the main melody of the song to add to the suspenseful tone. Legend has it Billy Joel whistled the tune to producer Phil Ramone and expressed that he wanted an instrument to play that melody. Phil convinced him that the whistle was that of “the stranger’s” and that’s what ended up on record.

“The Stranger” is one of the more enigmatic songs in Billy Joel’s catalog. Theories on the identity of “the stranger” range from Carl Jung theories on our “shadow self” to “the stranger” as a hidden lover.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

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