Swan's role in the music industry was, originally, largely invisible. His first big break was in 1962 when Clyde McPhatter recorded "Lover Please", a song written by Swan that quickly became a Top Ten hit. Moving to Nashville allowed Swan to write hit country songs for numerous artists, including Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, and Mel Tillis.
In 1969, Swan first took on the role of record producer, publishing Tony Joe White's Top Ten hit "Polk Salad Annie". Swan played bass guitar for Kris Kristofferson, and signed a deal with Monument Records.
Swan's first album included the popular song "I Can Help", a rockabilly number that topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and country charts in 1974. Swan recorded the song in two takes (without overdubs) with an organ that Kristofferson and singer Rita Coolidge had bought for him as a wedding gift.
However, other albums with Monument, A&M, and Epic did not have nearly the success of his first.
Swan continued to tour with Kristofferson, and has recorded two albums with Randy Meisner. As of 2005, Swan was still a back-up and session musician.
Swan was married to his late wife Marlu for 30 years. They had two daughters, recording artists Planet Swan & Sierra Swan.
Another Bill Swan is guitarist for the American band The Muffins.
Stranger
Billy Swan Lyrics
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Maybe I was too, 'cause I was stoned
Singin' every sad song on the juke-box one more time
Honey, they were hittin' close to home
And I said - Maybe this'll make you think I'm crazy
Honey, don't feel lonesome if you do
But if you wanna make a young man happy one more time
And she said - Stranger
Shut out the light and lead me
Somewhere - shut out the shadows, too
And while we lay there, makin' believe you love me
Stranger, could I believe in you
Maybe you got all you got together
Maybe you keep rollin' like a stone
Maybe some old lonesome song'll take you by surprise
And leave you just a little more alone
Singing - Stranger
Shut out the light and lead me
Somewhere - shut out the shadows, too
And while we lay there, makin' believe you love me
Stranger, could I believe in you
Keep Singing - Stranger
Shut out the light and lead me
Somewhere - shut out the shadows, too
And while we lay there, makin' believe you love me
Stranger, could I believe in you
The song "Stranger" by Billy Swan tells the story of two strangers who find solace in each other's company. The song opens with the singer and a woman looking at themselves in the mirror, possibly feeling a bit lost or alone. The singer is singing sad songs on the jukebox, which resonates deeply with the woman. He suggests spending the night together, and the woman implores him to lead her somewhere safe, where they can shut out the shadows and be alone together.
The song captures the longing for connection and understanding that we all share as human beings. The characters in the song are two strangers who have never met before, yet they bond over their shared experiences of sadness and loneliness. They find refuge in each other's arms, even if it's just for one night.
The repetition of the phrase "shut out the light and lead me, somewhere" emphasizes the need for a safe space, both physically and emotionally. The singer and the woman are looking for a place where they can forget their troubles and be with each other in the moment.
Overall, "Stranger" is a poignant and moving song that speaks to the universal desire for connection and belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe she was smilin' in the mirror
Perhaps she was admiring herself in the reflection
Maybe I was too, 'cause I was stoned
Maybe I was also staring at myself because I was high
Singin' every sad song on the juke-box one more time
Singing all the depressing tunes on the jukebox again and again
Honey, they were hittin' close to home
The songs were resonating with my inner emotions
And I said - Maybe this'll make you think I'm crazy
I warned her that what I was about to say might seem insane
Honey, don't feel lonesome if you do
I asked her to not feel alienated by my words
But if you wanna make a young man happy one more time
If you want to please a young man again
I'd sure like to spend the night with you
I'd love to spend the night with you
And she said - Stranger
She addressed me as a stranger
Shut out the light and lead me
She asked me to turn off the lights and take control
Somewhere - shut out the shadows, too
She wanted to be in a place free from darkness
And while we lay there, makin' believe you love me
While we were pretending that you love me
Stranger, could I believe in you
She asked if she could trust me
Maybe you got all you got together
You probably have everything figured out
Maybe you keep rollin' like a stone
Maybe you keep moving forward like an unstoppable force
Maybe some old lonesome song'll take you by surprise
Maybe some melancholic tune will catch you off-guard
And leave you just a little more alone
And leave you feeling a bit more lonely
Keep Singing - Stranger
She asked me to keep singing, while still calling me a stranger
Somewhere - shut out the shadows, too
She repeated her desire to be in a place free from darkness
And while we lay there, makin' believe you love me
She reiterated our act of pretending to be in love
Stranger, could I believe in you
She repeated her question of whether she could trust me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind