Stranger
Boy & Bear Lyrics

In these lyrics, Boy & Bear explore themes of vulnerability, fear, and the desire for connection. The singer expresses a longing to find solace and comfort in the presence of a stranger. The line "To lay my head on a stranger's chest" conveys a desire to find reassurance and support within someone unknown - someone who may have experienced similar struggles and can provide a sense of familiarity.

The phrase "An island of bones" suggests that the singer feels isolated and disconnected, perhaps emotionally detached from others. Through the metaphorical image of an island made of bones, they imply a sense of emptiness and longing for a deeper connection.

The line "To make this ocean feel like home" reflects the singer's yearning to find a sense of belonging and to transform their vast and unknown emotional space into something safe and familiar.

The following verses delve deeper into the emotions behind this desire for connection, hinting at a fear of expressing oneself too openly and vulnerably, for fear of being judged or rejected. The singer mentions turning things down, fearing "spilling out" or "speaking much too loud." This indicates a hesitation to fully express themselves, possibly due to past experiences or self-doubt.

The lyrics continue to explore this fear and longing, referring to laying a dress on a stranger's bed as a means to find warmth and comfort. The "blanket of skin" symbolizes seeking intimacy and closeness with someone else, perhaps as a way to escape from their own feelings of loneliness or emotional unrest.

The singer questions their ability to communicate effectively with lines like "Now my voice has fallen out, can you teach me how to shout?" This signifies a loss of confidence in their own voice and a desire to be heard, understood, and accepted by others.

The last verse introduces a sense of guilt and self-doubt. The singer contemplates dissolving themselves into the sounds of nature, represented by the birds, bees, and waves, as a way to escape the overwhelming expectations and insecurities of human interaction.

There is also a fear of judgment from the person they desire to connect with, as conveyed through the line "I'm so afraid of what she'll think of me, that I can barely breathe." The singer's anxiety and self-doubt make it difficult for them to express themselves openly and honestly.

Overall, these lyrics delve into the complex emotions and anxieties surrounding vulnerability and the longing for connection. The singer seeks solace with a stranger, hoping to find a sense of home and understanding in their presence. However, fear of judgment, rejection, and their own insecurities hinder their ability to fully express themselves.