Strange Days
John Norum Lyrics
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He's pushing from the corner of his eyes
What you can tell form the shine of his shoes
He's working for the F.B.I.
Where there's a cop on every corner
Yeah, he's got an axe to grind
Waiting for some guitar playing, grass smoking, long hair
He's got promotion on his mind
Strange ways
Oh... Strange ways
I'd like to know
What I'm supposed to do
No it's not for sale watchin' you two
Strange...
Strange days
Strange ways
Strange days
Strange days... Lord, Lord...
Strange days
Strange ways
I'd like to know
What I'm supposed to do
No it's not for sale watchin' you two
Strange...
Strange days
Strange ways
Strange days
The lyrics to John Norum’s “Strange Days” are about a man who encounters a drug dealer on the streets who seems like he's an undercover FBI agent. The dealer has a suspicious air that gives the impression he’s a lawman working undercover, waiting to catch any guitar playing, grass/spliff smoking, longhairs. The singer is confused and troubled by the strange and threatening atmosphere, feeling lost as to what he should do. The song explores feelings of confusion, paranoia and fear of being watched by authorities. “Strange Days” brings up the theme of authority abuse and corruption, the lyrics suggest an overall unease with authority and institutional corruption.
Throughout the song, there are mentions of strange ways, strange days and strange things happening, which emphasizes the strangeness of the environment they find themselves in. The song also highlights the counterculture of the time when long-haired musicians and their fans represented a rebellious challenge to the political and cultural establishment. With the use of electric guitar riffs and explosive drumming, the song’s intense energy is a reflection of the culture’s rebellion against social norms.
Line by Line Meaning
Come a dealer with a bag full
There is a drug dealer who has come with a bag full, probably of drugs.
He's pushing from the corner of his eyes
The drug dealer is trying to sell drugs discreetly.
What you can tell form the shine of his shoes
Judging by the shine on his shoes, it is clear that he is doing well financially.
He's working for the F.B.I.
It is suggested that the drug dealer is actually working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Where there's a cop on every corner
The area they are in is heavily policed.
Yeah, he's got an axe to grind
The drug dealer has some sort of grudge or motive behind his actions.
Waiting for some guitar playing, grass smoking, long hair
The drug dealer is waiting to find a hippie or similar sort of person to sell drugs to.
He's got promotion on his mind
The drug dealer is motivated by a desire for promotion or advancement in his job, even if it involves criminal activity.
I'd like to know
The artist is expressing a desire to understand what's going on.
What I'm supposed to do
The artist is asking for instruction or guidance on how to proceed in this situation.
No it's not for sale watchin' you two
The drug dealer is not selling anything, but is instead keeping an eye on the singer and someone else.
Strange...
The situation is very odd or bizarre.
Strange days
These are strange times, with unusual things happening.
Strange ways
People are behaving in strange, unusual, or unexpected ways.
Strange days... Lord, Lord...
The strange and unusual nature of the present situations is causing the singer concern or unease.
Strange...
The situation remains strange and unusual.
I'd like to know
Again the artist expresses a desire to understand what's happening.
What I'm supposed to do
The question of how to proceed or what action to take remains unanswered.
No it's not for sale watchin' you two
The drug dealer is still not selling anything, but is still watching the singer and someone else.
Strange...
The situation is still strange and unusual.
Strange days
Once again, the artist emphasizes the odd and unusual nature of current events.
Strange ways
People are continuing to behave in unexpected or unsettling ways.
Strange days
The unusual and strange situation remains unchanged.
Contributed by Aria M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sneginka_7
Великолепный вокал и бесподобное соло! Браво Джон!👍👏💕
Maria Filippova
Очень талантливый музыкант и исполнитель песен.
Joanice Feijó
Estou apaixonada por esse homem, pela voz e pela música. I love you John Norum MANAUS Amazonas Brasil.
ILTK
John has always had that awesome blues feel, I still absolutely LOVE his Total Control album, not a single bad song on it.
Mary Lou Rath
I love all his solo stuff, but ESPECIALLY when he's the one singing. That's cool Leven is in there, guess I shoulda looked at the album credits. He's my favorite guitarist because ever single note is deliberate, soulful, and awesome. This whole album is full of this awesomeness
Tina S.
One of my most favorite songs from Norum.
Gál Laci
I'm not a fan of blues, but this is just awesome.
LENGAIGNE JOSETTE
Plaisir d'avoir vu les deux JOHN ensemble.
Gabriel Moraes
Sonzeira, Jhon Norum debulha na guitarra.
mike
John norum es un guitarrista inmenso, estupendo vocalista, en su técnica se notan sus influencias, schenker, Gary moore,...etc