Jamie went on to produce a series of remixes of songs by Gil Scott-Heron from his 2010 album I'm New Here. The first remix single 'NY Is Killing Me', credited to Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx, aired on radio stations across the UK and Europe in late 2010, followed by 'I'll Take Care Of U' in January 2011. Both singles drew a lot of attention by the public and critics and set the way for a 13-track remix album entitled 'We're New Here', out February 21, 2011 on the XL Recordings label and produced entirely by Jamie xx. 'We're New Here' received very positive critical acclaim and was named "a masterpiece in its own right" by BBC's Ele Beattie.
On June 6th, he released the single 'Far Nearer / Beat For', which was met with strong critical acclaim.
Stranger in a Room
Jamie xx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just a stranger in a room
Wanna change your colors just for the night
With no word of it following you, oh
No word of it following you, oh
No word of it following you, oh
No word of it
You're just a stranger in a room
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're just a stranger in a room
Tonight I fell for the outline
Of someone I've wanted to know
'Cause here under the blue lights
There's always someone I've wanted to know
With no way of it working back home
No way of it working back home
No way of it working back home
No way of it
And I don't wanna waste my time
On an unfamiliar ride
Been looking in from the outside
Are you coming in?
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're just a stranger in a room
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're just a stranger in a room
The song "Stranger In a Room" by Jamie xx reflects the desire to temporarily abandon one's identity and become just another face in a crowd. The opening line, "You wanna disappear in a crowd," sets the stage for this theme, with the subsequent lyrics exploring the idea further. The use of the phrase "just a stranger in a room" reinforces the notion that when surrounded by others, one can blend in and become anonymous. Additionally, the desire to "change your colors just for the night" suggests that the anonymity sought is not only physical but also emotional, allowing for a temporary escape from one's usual thoughts and feelings.
The chorus further emphasizes the idea of being a stranger in a room, with the repetition of the phrase serving to reinforce the message. The lines "with no word of it following you" are particularly poignant, suggesting that the singer seeks a clean break from their usual life, with no repercussions or consequences for their actions in this new environment.
In the second verse, the singer describes falling for the outline of someone they've wanted to know, indicating that this desire for anonymity is not purely self-serving but also revolves around connecting with others. However, the final lines of the verse, "with no way of it working back home," suggest that the connection is fleeting and may not survive the transition back to reality. The bridge of the song then takes a more reflective tone, with the singer acknowledging that they don't want to waste their time on an unfamiliar ride but still desiring companionship and connection, asking "are you coming in?"
Overall, "Stranger In a Room" is a thought-provoking piece that explores the human desire for anonymity, escapism, and temporary connection, ultimately highlighting the importance of both individuality and connection in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
You wanna disappear in a crowd
You desire to blend in amid a group of people.
Just a stranger in a room
You aspire to be anonymous and overlooked in a space full of individuals.
Wanna change your colors just for the night
You want to alter your persona temporarily to avoid standing out.
With no word of it following you, oh
No word of it following you, oh
No word of it following you, oh
No word of it
You crave complete anonymity and no consequences for your actions.
Tonight I fell for the outline
Of someone I've wanted to know
You became intrigued by someone you have been desiring to get acquainted with for a while.
'Cause here under the blue lights
There's always someone I've wanted to know
You often come across individuals under the blue lights, who you have been interested in getting to know.
With no way of it working back home
No way of it working back home
No way of it working back home
No way of it
You have a realization that it might not work out if you explore these relationships in your regular life.
And I don't wanna waste my time
On an unfamiliar ride
You do not want to invest your time into something new and strange with an uncertain outcome.
Been looking in from the outside
Are you coming in?
You have been observing from the sidelines and are curious if the person will join you.
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're just a stranger in a room
Ooh, ooh, ooh
You're just a stranger in a room
The chorus reiterates the desire to remain anonymous and unnoticed in a room full of people.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Oliver David Sim, James Thomas Smith, Romy Anna Madley Croft
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind