In the mid-1960s Clapton left the Yardbirds to play with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Immediately after leaving Mayall, Clapton formed the power trio Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce, in which Clapton played sustained blues improvisations and "arty, blues-based psychedelic pop". After Cream broke up, he formed blues rock band Blind Faith with Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Grech. Clapton's solo career began in the 1970s, where his work bore the influence of the mellow style of J. J. Cale and the reggae of Bob Marley. His version of Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" helped reggae reach a mass market. Two of his most popular recordings were "Layla", recorded with Derek and the Dominos; and Robert Johnson's "Crossroads", recorded with Cream. Following the death of his son Conor in 1991, Clapton's grief was expressed in the song "Tears in Heaven", which was featured on his Unplugged album.
Clapton has been the recipient of 18 Grammy Awards, and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2004 he was awarded a CBE at Buckingham Palace for services to music. He has received four Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his solo career, Clapton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. In 1998, Clapton, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, founded the Crossroads Centre on Antigua, a medical facility for recovering substance abusers.
Lonely Stranger
Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No one knows me
I have crawled down dead end streets
On my hands and knees
I was born with a raging thirst
A hunger to be free
But I've learned through the years
'Cause I'm a lonely stranger here
Well beyond my day
And I don't know what's going on
I'll be on my way
Yes, I will
(I'll be on my way)
Yes, I will
Yes, I will
(I'll be on my way)
When I walk, stay behind
Don't get close to me
'Cause it's sure to end in tears
So just let me be
Some will say that I'm no good
Maybe I agree
Take a look then walk away
That's alright with me
'Cause I'm a lonely stranger here
Well beyond my day
And I don't know what's going on
So, I'll be on my way
Yes, I will
(I'll be on my way)
Yes, I will
(I'll be on my way)
Yes, I will
(I'll be on my way)
Yes, I will
(I'll be on my way)
Yes, I will
(I'll be on my way)
(I'll be on my way)
(Thank you)
The song "Lonely Stranger" by Eric Clapton is a reflection on the loneliness the artist feels as he struggles to find his place in the world. Through the lyrics, Clapton describes his feeling of being invisible and unknown by others, despite his desire to be free and independent. He has traveled down many dead-end streets, searching for meaning and purpose, but few people seem to notice, and he is often left feeling isolated and disconnected from others.
Clapton's desperation to find a place where he can belong is evident in the repeated phrases "I'll be on my way" and "Yes, I will." He acknowledges that some may view him as "no good," but he seems to accept this judgment, as he sees it as a natural consequence of his status as a lonely stranger. He cautions others to stay behind him and not get too close, as he fears that any connection he makes will ultimately end in tears.
Overall, "Lonely Stranger" is a poignant reflection on the difficulties of finding one's place in the world and the feelings of isolation that can result from that search. It is a powerful reminder that even those who seem strong and self-assured on the outside may be struggling with their own inner turmoil.
Line by Line Meaning
I must be invisible
I feel like nobody notices me or cares about me.
No one knows me
I don't feel like anyone really understands who I am.
I have crawled down dead end streets
I've made a lot of mistakes and ended up in places that don't lead me anywhere good.
On my hands and knees
I've had to work really hard to get out of those bad situations.
I was born with a raging thirst
I've always had a strong desire to be free and independent.
A hunger to be free
I crave the ability to make my own choices and live my life on my own terms.
But I've learned through the years
Over time, I've gained some wisdom and learned some hard lessons.
Don't encourage me
Please don't try to persuade me to do something that's not right for me.
'Cause I'm a lonely stranger here
I feel out of place and disconnected from everyone else around me.
Well beyond my day
I don't fit in with the current times or trends, and I feel like I belong in a different era.
And I don't know what's going on
I feel lost and confused about the world and my place in it.
I'll be on my way
I'm going to keep moving forward, even if I'm not sure where I'm headed.
When I walk, stay behind
Please don't follow me or try to get too close.
Don't get close to me
I don't want to get attached to anyone or let anyone get attached to me.
'Cause it's sure to end in tears
If we get too close and then have to separate, it will be very painful for me.
So just let me be
I need my space and independence, and it's best if we keep our distance.
Some will say that I'm no good
People judge me and make assumptions about me without really knowing me.
Maybe I agree
Sometimes I doubt myself and wonder if those judgments are true.
Take a look then walk away
If you don't like what you see or don't want to get involved, that's fine with me.
That's alright with me
I've learned to be okay with rejection and people not accepting me for who I am.
Yes, I will
I'm determined to keep moving forward and find my place in the world, even if it's difficult and uncertain.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eric Patrick Clapton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Intros, Riffs & Solos
How is this genre called? British classical folk ? Clapton is a genius <3
Sam Blankenhorn
I think this falls into "acoustic blues"
Shikaternia
bad times,good times.bless you all.
Shikaternia
soul music,
Jeffrey Simpkins
Can't fuck with a loner.He embraces loneliness.Games? Don't effect my ass none.Saw through it five seconds ago.Receded further.
Jeffrey Simpkins
Nobody will be gawking over me.
Jeffrey Simpkins
If I was gonna be veiwed.That would be one of two songs.
Jeffrey Simpkins
When I die.No obituary.I was never here.
Jeffrey Simpkins
Invisible is good.When your not that means some asshole wants something.
Morton Beard
My man.