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Spit on a Stranger
Pavement Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning

However you feel,
Whatever it takes,
Whenever it's real,
Whatever awaits,
Whatever you need,
However so slight,
Whenever it's real,
Whenever it's right.

I've been thinking long and hard
About the things you said to me,
Like a bitter stranger,
And now I see the long,
The short, the middle and what's inbetween,
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour/pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger.
(Pour me out)

Whatever you feel,
Whatever it takes,
Whenever it's real,
Whatever awaits me,
Whatever you need,
However so slight,
Whenever it leads,
Whenever it's right.

Honey I'm a prize and you're a catch
And we're a perfect match,
Like two bitter strangers,
And now I see the long,
The short of it and I can make it last,
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour me out)
You're a bitter stranger,
(Pour me out)
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour me out)
You're a bitter stranger.
(Pour me out)

I see the sunshine in your eyes,
I'll try the things you'll never try,
I'll be the one that leaves
You high...high...high

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pavement's song Spit on a Stranger speak about being open to love, taking the risk to find it and being able to see the good in people. The lines "However you feel, Whatever it takes,Whenever it's real, Whatever awaits" imply that the protagonist is willing to do whatever it takes to find love and is open to whatever approaches will help him achieve that end. The chorus "Whatever you need, However so slight, Whenever it leads, Whenever it's right" reiterates that idea and shows that the protagonist is set to take their desires seriously because they do not want to miss out on love.


The second verse talks about a person who previously was bitter and could not see the good in the protagonist. However, things seem to have changed, and the protagonist seems more understanding and mature, able to see that there is more to a person than their negative attitude towards them. This maturity is emphasized as the protagonist is ready to take the person as they are, and even though they had been strangers, they can connect and find love. The line "I see the sunshine in your eyes, I'll try the things you'll never try, I'll be the one that leaves You high...high...high" beautifully captures the protagonist's commitment to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work.


In summary, Spit on a Stranger celebrates the beauty of love and the need for people to be open-minded regardless of past experiences. The song encourages people to take risks and explore different approaches if they want to find love. It also acknowledges the impact of bitterness, but the message is: don't let bitterness stop you from finding the love you desire.


Line by Line Meaning

However you feel,
No matter the emotions you experience,


Whatever it takes,
No matter what effort is required,


Whenever it's real,
Whenever it's genuine and true,


Whatever awaits,
Regardless of what lies ahead,


Whatever you need,
Whatever requirements you may have,


However so slight,
Even if it's a subtle desire,


Whenever it's real,
Whenever it's genuine and true,


Whenever it's right.
Whenever it aligns perfectly.


I've been thinking long and hard
Ruminating over and over,


About the things you said to me,
Reflecting on your words and impact,


Like a bitter stranger,
Causing resentment like an outsider,


And now I see the long,
I can now envision the extended outcome,


The short, the middle and what's inbetween,
The beginning, the end, and everything in the middle,


I could spit on a stranger,
I feel a level of disgust/contempt towards an unfamiliar person,


(Pour/pull me out)
Symbolic action of being drawn out or away,


You're a bitter stranger.
Referring to the individual who exhibits a similar negative attitude,


Honey I'm a prize and you're a catch
I am desirable and you are lucky to have me,


And we're a perfect match,
We are ideally suited for one another,


Like two bitter strangers,
Despite our compatibility, we still hold negative emotions,


And now I see the long,
My vision is clear enough to see the big picture,


The short of it and I can make it last,
I acknowledge the limited time, but can extend it,


I could spit on a stranger,
Again feeling a sense of animosity towards the unknown individual,


(Pour me out)
A request to be removed or let go of,


You're a bitter stranger,
Referring to the negative attitude of the person,


I see the sunshine in your eyes,
I see the positive and bright aspects of your personality,


I'll try the things you'll never try,
I am willing to explore and take risks that you are reluctant to attempt,


I'll be the one that leaves
I will be the factor that produces a sense of euphoria,


You high...high...high
You will experience a state of utmost joy and satisfaction.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: STEPHEN MALKMUS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Tako Usagi 동동

However you feel,
Whatever it takes,
Whenever it's real,
Whatever awaits,
Whatever you need,
However so slight,
Whenever it's real,
Whenever it's right.

I've been thinking long and hard 
About the things you said to me,
Like a bitter stranger,
And now I see the long, 
The short, the middle and what's inbetween,
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour/pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger.
(Pour me out)

Whatever you feel,
Whatever it takes,
Whenever it's real,
Whatever awaits me,
Whatever you need,
However so slight,
Whenever it leads,
Whenever it's right.

Honey I'm a prize and you're a catch 
And we're a perfect match,
Like two bitter strangers,
And now I see the long, 
The short of it and I can make it last,
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour me out)
You're a bitter stranger,
(Pour me out)
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour me out)
You're a bitter stranger.
(Pour me out)

I see the sunshine in your eyes,
I'll try the things you'll never try,
I'll be the one that leaves 
You high...high...high



Dead channel

However you feel,
Whatever it takes,
Whenever it's real,
Whatever awaits,
Whatever you need,
However so slight,
Whenever it's real,
Whenever it's right.
I've been thinking long and hard
About the things you said to me,
Like a bitter stranger,
And now I see the long,
The short, the middle and what's inbetween,
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour/pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger.
(Pour me out)
Whatever you feel,
Whatever it takes,
Whenever it's real,
Whatever awaits me,
Whatever you need,
However so slight,
Whenever it leads,
Whenever it's right.
Honey I'm a prize and you're a catch
And we're a perfect match,
Like two bitter strangers,
And now I see the long,
The short of it and I can make it last,
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour me out)
You're a bitter stranger,
(Pour me out)
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour me out)
You're a bitter stranger.
(Pour me out)
I see the sunshine in your eyes,
I'll try the things you'll never try,
I'll be the one that leaves
You high...high...high

Pavement - Spit On A Stranger (1999)



Tohvalon

Lyrics:

However you feel,
Whatever it takes,
Whenever it's real,
Whatever awaits,
Whatever you need,
However so slight,
Whenever it's real,
Whenever it's right.

I've been thinking long and hard
About the things you said to me,
Like a bitter stranger,
And now I see the long,
The short, the middle and what's inbetween,
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour/pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger.
(Pour me out)

Whatever you feel,
Whatever it takes,
Whenever it's real,
Whatever awaits me,
Whatever you need,
However so slight,
Whenever it leads,
Whenever it's right.

Honey I'm a prize and you're a catch
And we're a perfect match,
Like two bitter strangers.

And now I see the long,
The short of it and I can make it last,
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour me out)
You're a bitter stranger,
(Pour me out)
I could spit on a stranger,
(Pour me out)
You're a bitter stranger.
(Pour me out)

I see the sunshine in your eyes,
I'll try the things you'll never try,
I'll be the one that leaves you high...high...



Aman Goyal

spotify:playlist:2tdzRAeRD8cJxvXpDxPprr
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•It's a Long Story (Back on the Chain Gang)
•Sit And Wait (Inside of Love)
•Thanksgiving in November. Weird (You Belong to Me)
•Ted sees Victoria (Soul Meets Body)
•Ted kisses Victoria (Spit on a stranger)
•It's not really a MISTAKE. (Mother of Pearl)
•I made it RAIN (This Modern Love)
•Only thing that can heal a broken heart, is time (Boys Don't Cry)
•You Stole a Blue French Horn for me (No One Here)
•The Platinum Rule (Black Tears)
•The Yellow Umbrella (Beautiful Beat)
•Two Minute Date (Thirteen)
•Never invite an ex to your wedding (Waiting for an Invitation)
•Perfect Ending to a Perfect Love Story (Better)
•The Fight (This Man He Weeps Tonight)
•Right Place Right Time (Glad Girls)
•As Fast as She can (Careful)
•Take the Leap (Prophets)
•Definations (Oxford Comma)
•You'll find your SHELLFISH lady (Rewind)
•Maggie's Window Never Opened Again (Two Weeks)
•Everyone's got Baggage (Play - Chop Chop)
•Put a Baby in my belly (Lifesize)
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• We're having a Boy (Throwing Stones)
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•Lebenslangerschicksalsschatz (The Funeral)
•I Really Hope You Get Her Someday (Low Rising)
•The Pit (If the Hudson Overflows)
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•Something Old (How to Fight Loneliness)
•One Ticket to Farhampton please (Simple Song)
•I'll be right back. I'll be right here. (Souvenir)
•Bass Player Wanted (Forrest Whitaker)
•Challenge Completed (It's Only Time)
•I have to let you go now (Eternal Flame)
•Funny how sometimes you just find things (Downtown Train)
•OR... (Heaven)



All comments from YouTube:

JA White

The fact that I want this to be the first dance song at my wedding says allot about why I have never been married.

Astroboiii

@mgmegt i need 1 hahahaha

Brat Wurst

If you like pavement you get babes. You must not like pavement hard enough.

Peter Celle

I might laugh all day to myself over this comment.😂

Warwick Alderman

You're my man!

Marie Farrell

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

20 More Replies...

nayohmee

one of my all time favorite songs ever made. thank you pavement you helped me through my awkward teenage years and are still helping me through my awkward adult years

Chase Graham

god i love pavement so much

Keith cook

Truer words have not been spoken 🤷‍♂️

Caio

Yes it's a very important road feature, important so our cars don't sink into the floor

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