Strange as Family
The Wrens Lyrics
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I think that it started it faded from memory placed with mittens - why?
should I listen in now she has gone
comes a courting comes a calling no explanation
he is different he is Asian brings me humid - why?
I'm spoken for I'm kitchened
he is unwelcome he is unwelcome
makes note of my towels, my blankets, my flowers
I don't think I'm ultra act
plants and water flow by flow sleep me box me glow glow glow
I know the coming things oh please
peace be with you
a line from the masses said as Johnny passes
ten years coasting why? I'm ripened up I'm injured
lifted early fixed above us keeping a promise to name you among us why?
the johns the greater go? and the most vivid things
The Wrens's song Strange as Family seems to be about the experiences of the singer, who is observing and reflecting on different moments in their life. The song jumps around in time and events, but there are some recurring themes and images that tie everything together. The tone of the song is somewhat melancholic, filled with a sense of longing and nostalgia.
The opening line "I think that it started it faded from memory placed with mittens - why?" sets the stage for the fragmented and introspective nature of the lyrics. The singer seems to be struggling to recall a particular memory, possibly related to a lost relationship. They then reflect on a person who came into their life and left just as suddenly, leaving behind a sense of confusion and unease. The line "he is different he is Asian brings me humid - why?" suggests that there may have been cultural differences or other factors that contributed to their brief interaction.
Throughout the song, there are references to domesticity and the comfort of everyday objects and routines. The mention of towels, blankets, and flowers in the line "makes note of my towels, my blankets, my flowers" suggests that the singer takes comfort in the mundane details of their surroundings. However, there is also an underlying sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction, as seen in the line "I don't think I'm ultra act." The final lines of the song, "the johns the greater go? and the most vivid things," are somewhat cryptic, but could be interpreted as a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing moments and memories.
Line by Line Meaning
strange as family
This relationship is peculiar, but strong like family bonds.
I think that it started it faded from memory placed with mittens - why?
I vaguely remember how this relationship started, and it seems insignificant like misplacing mittens.
should I listen in now she has gone
Now that she's gone, should I give attention to the details of our relationship?
comes a courting comes a calling no explanation
This person is pursuing me without any clear reason or purpose.
he is different he is Asian brings me humid - why?
This individual is of a different race and brings a sense of humidity, not sure why.
I'm spoken for I'm kitchened
I'm already in a committed relationship, which gives me a sense of domesticity.
he is unwelcome he is unwelcome
I do not welcome this person's advances.
makes note of my towels, my blankets, my flowers
This person pays attention to small details of my life.
I don't think I'm ultra act
I'm not particularly remarkable, just an ordinary person.
plants and water flow by flow sleep me box me glow glow glow
Nature and routine bring me comfort and a sense of peace.
I know the coming things oh please
I have a sense of what the future holds, and I hope it's positive.
peace be with you
A wish for peace to the other person, even though our relationship is complicated.
a line from the masses said as Johnny passes
A quote from the public that reminds me of my past.
ten years coasting why? I'm ripened up I'm injured
I've been going through life without much direction, but now I've matured and experienced pain.
lifted early fixed above us keeping a promise to name you among us why?
Someone I care for deeply has passed away, and I want to honor their memory.
the johns the greater go? and the most vivid things
Life goes on, and the most memorable moments are often unexpected.
Contributed by Zoe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.