Stranger
Johnny Winter Lyrics
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Can I sit here for awhile
You know I'm kinda tired & lonesome
Seems like I've been ten thousand miles
Just want to talk to you a while
You know I'm not sure where I'm goin
But I can tell you where I've been
'cause I'm just lookin' for a friend
I might not pass this way again
Got no time, now for thinkin'
Got no time to wonder why
But I got time for one more drink babe
An I got time to say goodbye
Yes I can make it if I try
It's gettin' late, guess I'll be goin'
I hope I didn't bring you down
But yes, I can come up for a minute
If you don't mind me hangin' round
Cause I'm a stranger here in town.
Yes I'm a stranger in your town
Yes I'm a stranger here in town
The lyrics to Johnny Winter's "Stranger" describe a lonely traveler who is seeking refuge in the company of a stranger. It starts off with the traveler asking the "pretty stranger" if he can sit with her for a while since he is "kinda tired and lonesome" and has been traveling for ten thousand miles. He reveals that he does not know where he is going, but he can tell her where he has been. However, his destination does not matter much to him as he is only searching for someone to talk to.
The traveler states that he does not have time to ponder as he does not have a lot of time left, yet he has time for one more drink and to say goodbye. He expresses hope in making it if he tries. The song concludes with the traveler saying that it is getting late, and he has to leave. He hopes that he did not bring her down and asks if he can stay for a while if she does not mind. He acknowledges that he is a stranger in town, emphasizing the feeling of isolation that the traveler is experiencing.
In essence, the song highlights the human need for connection and companionship. Despite being a stranger, one can find comfort in the presence of a stranger who listens and provides comfort. The traveler is not picky about the person he finds solace in, as he comes across as grateful to have someone to talk to, even for a little while.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, pretty stranger
The singer greets a stranger and expresses an interest in talking to them.
Can I sit here for awhile
The singer asks the stranger if he can sit beside them.
You know I'm kinda tired & lonesome
The singer confesses that he is feeling weary and lonely.
Seems like I've been ten thousand miles
The singer describes feeling like he has traveled a great distance.
Just want to talk to you a while
The singer reiterates his desire to have a conversation with the stranger.
You know I'm not sure where I'm goin
The singer confesses that he is unsure of his destination.
But I can tell you where I've been
The singer declares that he is able to reflect on his past experiences.
But I guess it really doesn't matter
The singer decides that dwelling on the past is not important.
'cause I'm just lookin' for a friend
The singer admits that he is in search of companionship.
I might not pass this way again
The singer acknowledges that this opportunity to connect may not present itself again.
Got no time, now for thinkin'
The singer announces that he doesn't have much time to ponder.
Got no time to wonder why
The singer admits that he doesn't have the luxury of reflecting deeply.
But I got time for one more drink babe
The singer decides that he has enough time for another drink before departing.
An I got time to say goodbye
Although brief, the singer announces that he has time to say goodbye before leaving.
Yes I can make it if I try
The singer suggests that he is capable of persevering through his journey.
It's gettin' late, guess I'll be goin'
The singer announces that it is time for him to leave.
I hope I didn't bring you down
The singer expresses concern that he may have dampened the stranger's mood.
But yes, I can come up for a minute
The singer offers to come back up for a brief visit.
If you don't mind me hangin' around
The singer requests permission to linger for a bit longer.
Cause I'm a stranger here in town
The singer reiterates that he is just a stranger passing through.
Yes I'm a stranger in your town
The singer acknowledges his status as an outsider.
Yes I'm a stranger here in town
The singer repeats his earlier admission of being a stranger in this locale.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: JOHNNY WINTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind