Strange Thing Mystifying
Carl Anderson & Ted Neeley Lyrics
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That a man like you can waste his time on women of her kind.
Yes, I can understand that she amuses,
But to let her kiss you, stroke your hair, is hardly in your line.
It′s not that I object to her profession,
But she doesn't fit in well with what you teach and say.
It doesn′t help us if you're inconsistent.
Who are you to criticise her?
Who are you to despise her?
Leave her, leave her, let her be now.
Leave her, leave her, she's with me now.
If your slate is clean, then you can throw stones.
If your slate is not, then leave her alone.
I′m amazed that men like you can be so shallow, thick and slow
There is not a man among you who know or cares if I come or go.
No, you′re wrong! You're very wrong!
No, you′re wrong! You're very wrong!
No, you′re wrong! You're very wrong!
No, you′re wrong! You're very wrong!
How can you say that?
How can you say that?
How can you say that?
How can you say that?
Not one, not one of you!
The lyrics of Carl Anderson and Ted Neeley's Strange Thing Mystifying are quite complex and layered. At first glance, the song seems like a confrontation between two men over a woman, with one of them disapproving of the other's relationship with her. However, the song goes much deeper than that. The singer's objections to the woman aren't necessarily because of her profession as a prostitute but because of her lack of alignment with the man's teachings and values.
The singer, who is likely Judas Iscariot, is critical of Jesus for spending time with the woman and allowing her to touch him. In his view, Jesus is being inconsistent, and his behavior could lead to trouble for the entire group. However, Jesus defends the woman and refuses to let the singer's criticism affect his relationship with her.
The song also highlights a divide between Jesus and his followers. They don't understand his teachings or care for his well-being. The lyrics suggest that the disciples are shallow, thick, and unaware of their leader's emotional state.
Overall, the song explores the complexities of human relationships, values, and the difficulties of living up to one's own beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems to me a strange thing, mystifying
I find it peculiar and confusing...
That a man like you can waste his time on women of her kind.
that someone like you, who I respect, spends time on women like her.
Yes, I can understand that she amuses,
I see that you find her entertaining,
But to let her kiss you, stroke your hair, is hardly in your line.
but it's inappropriate for her to touch you so intimately.
It’s not that I object to her profession,
I don't have an issue with her job,
But she doesn't fit in well with what you teach and say.
but she doesn't align with your teachings.
It doesn’t help us if you're inconsistent.
It's harmful to the cause if you're not consistent.
They only need a small excuse to put us all away.
Our critics are waiting for reasons to discredit us.
Who are you to criticise her?
Why are you qualified to criticize her?
Who are you to despise her?
Why do you hate her?
Leave her, leave her, let her be now.
Stop bothering her and let her be.
Leave her, leave her, she's with me now.
I'm taking care of her now.
If your slate is clean, then you can throw stones.
You can criticize only if you're perfect yourself.
If your slate is not, then leave her alone.
Otherwise, leave her be.
I’m amazed that men like you can be so shallow, thick and slow
I'm surprised that educated men like you are so ignorant.
There is not a man among you who know or cares if I come or go.
None of you know or care about my actions.
No, you’re wrong! You’re very wrong!
You're mistaken, and I'm vehemently against that.
How can you say that?
How can you think that or express that opinion?
Not one, not one of you!
No one among you is exempt from my criticism.
Writer(s): Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber
Contributed by Miles B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.