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 song "Strange Thing Mystifying" is a conversation between Judas (Carl Anderson) and Jesus (Ted Neeley), discussing a woman who is likely a prostitute. Judas is expressing his concern towards Jesus for associating with a woman who is looked down upon by society, even if it's just for mere amusement, since it might cause inconsistencies in Jesus's teachings. However, Jesus disagrees and states that if Judas has a clean slate, he can criticize the woman but if he doesn't, then he should leave her alone. Jesus also points out that none of Judas's fellow men care about the woman's existence and they can't understand Judas's concern for her.
The lyrics of this song offer a unique perspective on judging people and society's opinions. By not particularly mentioning the woman's profession, the song sheds light on how we often judge people we don't know much about based on what society tells us. It also points out the hypocrisy and double standards in society where men would always look at women like the woman in the song with contempt, but never question their own actions or behaviors.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems to me a strange thing, mystifying
I find it perplexing that someone of your stature would waste time on someone of her profession.
That a man like you can waste his time on women of her kind.
It's surprising that someone with your intelligence would spend his time with someone like her.
Yes, I can understand that she amuses,
I can see why you might find her entertaining.
But to let her kiss you, stroke your hair, is hardly in your line.
However, it's not appropriate for her to touch you in such a manner.
It's not that I object to her profession,
I don't have an issue with her line of work.
But she doesn't fit in well with what you teach and say.
However, her presence contradicts your messages and teachings.
It doesn't help us if you're inconsistent.
Your inconsistency does not benefit us in any way.
They only need a small excuse to put us all away.
All it takes is a minor misstep for us to be punished collectively.
Who are you to criticise her?
It's not your place to judge her.
Who are you to despise her?
It's not your place to feel hatred towards her.
Leave her, leave her, let her be now.
Let her be, it's best to leave her alone now.
Leave her, leave her, she's with me now.
She's with me now, and you should let her go.
If your slate is clean, then you can throw stones.
If you have no faults of your own, only then can you criticize others.
If your slate is not, then leave her alone.
If you do have faults, then you're in no position to attack her.
I'm amazed that men like you can be so shallow, thick and slow
I'm surprised that you, and others like you, can be so dull-witted and superficial.
There is not a man among you who know or cares if I come or go.
None of you men pay any attention to me or my wellbeing.
No, you're wrong! You're very wrong!
Your assumptions are incorrect!
No, you're wrong! You're very wrong!
Your assumptions are incorrect!
No, you're wrong! You're very wrong!
Your assumptions are incorrect!
No, you're wrong! You're very wrong!
Your assumptions are incorrect!
How can you say that?
How can you make such a statement?
How can you say that?
How can you make such a statement?
How can you say that?
How can you make such a statement?
How can you say that?
How can you make such a statement?
Not one, not one of you!
None of you.
Writer(s): ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE
Contributed by Anthony J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.