Stranger
Honeyman & the Brothers Farr Lyrics
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I used to sleep on the floor before ****
What did we come here for
If I was still strong and stable
I could walk through the door, but I can't
Brother, brother, trouble--it don't have to wait till the death of our dreams to get going
Nothing can cover up pain like the silver of spade will but
Your love gives enough to go on
But I don't pretend as if they ain't like mine
Your heart's a hand that clings, so tight it's cracked and bleeding
To the feathered wing that ever keeps its prime
Sister, sister this will last past with hate we'll be pressing our faces to the ground
Nothing can cover up pain like the silver of spade will but
Your love gives enough to press on and on
Oohhh...
I think I've seen you before
Your smile was toothy, beautiful
Please forgive me **** looking you in the eyes
What did you come here for
If I was still strong and stable, I could move on the floor ****
Stranger, stranger, these dangerous hours and days will
Soon be laid to waste on the sand
Nothing can cover up pain like the silver of spade will but
I still want you as a friend (x2)
Stranger, please change your heart to be friendly (x2)
Stranger help me change my heart to be friendly (x2)
The song "Stranger" by Honeyman & the Brothers Farr seems to be about feeling lost and disconnected from one's surroundings. The opening lines suggest a feeling of déjà vu, as if the singer has been in this same place before, but cannot quite remember why they are there or what they are supposed to do. The repetition of the phrase "Brother, brother, trouble" emphasizes a sense of fear or foreboding, as if something bad is about to happen. The lyrics suggest that there is pain and suffering beneath the surface, but that love is a powerful force that can help people keep going even in the darkest times.
The lyrics also make reference to physical and emotional pain. The line "Your heart's a calloused fist, with knuckles sharp and bruising" suggests a hardened, defensive attitude, perhaps born of past hurts or betrayals. The image of the "feathered wing that ever keeps its prime" suggests a sense of hope or aspiration, even amidst the difficulties of life. The repeated refrain of "nothing can cover up pain like the silver of spade will" suggests that while people may try to bury their pain, it will eventually resurface.
Overall, the song seems to be exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and the importance of connection with others. It suggests that while life can be difficult and painful, love and friendship can be powerful tools for survival.
Line by Line Meaning
I think I've been here before, I know these walls that table
The singer recognizes the setting of the situation and is familiar with the surroundings.
I used to sleep on the floor before ****
The singer has experienced financial struggles in the past where they used to sleep on the floor because they could not afford a proper bed.
What did we come here for
The singer questions the purpose of being in their current situation and environment.
If I was still strong and stable, I could walk through the door, but I can't
The artist is currently struggling both mentally and physically, preventing them from being able to move on and face the challenges in front of them.
Brother, brother, trouble--it don't have to wait till the death of our dreams to get going
Challenges and obstacles can happen anytime, not only after our dreams have faded away, and the artist addresses their brother to emphasize this point.
Nothing can cover up pain like the silver of spade will but
The singer acknowledges that although we can try and veil our pain, eventually it will come to light and cannot be avoided.
Your love gives enough to go on
The love from a specific person provides the necessary strength and motivation to move forward despite the challenges faced.
Your heart's a calloused fist, with knuckles sharp and bruising
The person in question has a hardened heart that can be damaging to others, with their actions and words having consequences.
But I don't pretend as if they ain't like mine
The artist emphasizes that they understand that they too can cause harm to others and are not infallible.
Your heart's a hand that clings, so tight it's cracked and bleeding
The same person has a heart that is holding on so tightly that it's caused damage and pain to themselves, leaving them in a vulnerable and broken state.
To the feathered wing that ever keeps its prime
This damaged person is still seeking comfort and support from something that they view as pure and faultless.
Sister, sister this will last past with hate we'll be pressing our faces to the ground
The artist turns to their sister and acknowledges that if they continue to harbor hate in their hearts, it will only lead to more pain and suffering.
Nothing can cover up pain like the silver of spade will but
The same point is restated - pain cannot be covered up permanently and will eventually come to light.
Your love gives enough to press on and on
Similar to before, the love from a specific person is enough to continue moving forward despite adversity.
Oohhh...
This is a vocalization and does not hold specific meaning.
I think I've seen you before
The artist believes they have encountered a specific person previously.
Your smile was toothy, beautiful
The artist recalls a memory of a specific person's beautiful and cheerful smile.
Please forgive me **** looking you in the eyes
The singer is ashamed of something, preventing them from making eye contact with the person in question.
What did you come here for
A similar question as earlier - the singer questions the purpose behind an individual being present in the current situation.
If I was still strong and stable, I could move on the floor ****
Similar to earlier, the artist cannot move or act confidently due to their weakened state.
Stranger, stranger, these dangerous hours and days will
The approaching hours and days are seen as perilous and uncertain, and the artist addresses an unknown person as a 'stranger.'
Soon be laid to waste on the sand
The dangerous times will pass and shortly seem insignificant in hindsight.
Nothing can cover up pain like the silver of spade will but
The same point is restated once again.
I still want you as a friend (x2)
Despite everything being unknown and uncertain, the artist expresses their desire to maintain a friendship with an individual they had previously encountered.
Stranger, please change your heart to be friendly (x2)
The singer implores the 'stranger' to be kind and open to a potential friendship.
Stranger help me change my heart to be friendly (x2)
The singer turns the request back onto themselves, seeking help from an unknown individual to become more open and approachable.
Contributed by Makayla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.