Stranger
Johnny Hollow Lyrics
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Your grin I can lease for the anger
I'm sorry
You felt that
You needed to hide
The difference inside you
You know I'm filthy
Shut up,
And listen
Why don't you give up
This mission?
Shut up,
And look at me
I'm just a stranger
Who let you think you knew me?
You crept up on me
Like cat on a mouse
Light on my feet
Loose in the mouth
You waited
Until you
Saw me
Go so
The moment you break me
I'll say it simply
Shut up,
And listen
Why don't you give up
This mission?
Shut up,
And look at me
I'm just a stranger
Who let you think you knew me?
Words on the tip of my tongue
Taking anger back just for fun
I am not your prodigal son
(Son, son, son, son...)
Shut up,
And listen
Why don't you give up
This mission?
Shut up,
And look at me
I'm just a stranger
Who let you think
I'm just a stranger
Who let you think
I'm just a stranger
Who let you think you knew me?
The song "Stranger" by Johnny Hollow is about the facade that people put on to hide their true selves. The first verse describes someone who appears harmless and gentle but is actually hiding sharp and dangerous qualities, implying that you cannot judge someone based solely on their outward appearance. The chorus then urges the listener to stop assuming they know someone and to really look at them as a stranger, implying that true understanding is impossible without actively trying to see past pretenses.
The second verse seems to suggest that the person being addressed has been attempting to manipulate or control the singer, perhaps by trying to "break" them in some way. The singer warns them that they cannot be easily controlled, and that they are not the person the manipulator thinks they are. The third verse speaks to a sense of independence and rebellion, declaring that the singer is not beholden to anyone and will not conform to others' expectations.
Overall, the song seems to be a declaration of individuality and a warning against making assumptions about others. It suggests that people should be wary of what others may be hiding beneath the surface and refrain from trying to control or manipulate them.
Line by Line Meaning
Soft like a rose cloaked in daggers
I may seem gentle and beautiful, but I have a strong side that can be dangerous.
Your grin I can lease for the anger
I can tell from your smile that you are hiding some anger inside.
I'm sorry
I apologize for any pain or discomfort that I may have caused.
You felt that
You were able to sense what I was feeling without me even telling you.
You needed to hide
You had to keep your true self hidden from others for some reason.
The difference inside you
There is a unique aspect to your personality that sets you apart from others.
You know I'm filthy
You are aware that I have some negative qualities or traits.
Shut up, and listen
Stop talking and pay attention to what I have to say.
Why don't you give up this mission?
Why do you insist on trying to understand or know me when I am intentionally keeping my distance?
And look at me
Focus your attention on me instead of your own assumptions or expectations.
I'm just a stranger
I am not the person you think I am and you do not really know me.
Who let you think you knew me?
You assumed that you had a good understanding of who I am, but you were wrong.
You crept up on me
You approached me slowly and subtly without me realizing it.
Like cat on a mouse
You were stealthy and calculated in your approach, like a predator stalking its prey.
Light on my feet
You were able to move quickly and gracefully without making a sound.
Loose in the mouth
You were able to speak freely and confidently without hesitation.
You waited until you saw me go
You held back until you saw an opportunity to make your move.
So the moment you break me, I'll say it simply
If you try to manipulate or harm me, I will not hesitate to confront you directly.
Words on the tip of my tongue
There are things that I want to say or express, but I am holding back.
Taking anger back just for fun
I am reclaiming my right to feel angry without any specific reason, just for my own enjoyment.
I am not your prodigal son
I am not the person that you expect or want me to be, and I refuse to follow your commands or expectations.
Lyrics © Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KIPP WILLIAMS, JON WHITE, LINDSEY LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind