In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
The Stranger I Love
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've been a vagabond and I've been a king, yeah
But I've been a better man just tryin' to please the stranger I love
Lost in a wilderness, darker than pain, drawn to her loneliness just like a flame
The closer we come the more that I learn, the stranger I love
Bad as I loved her, I ain't afraid we'll be together some lovin' way
So I'll take her hand-me-downs, I'll take the blame
I'll be a hang-around, I ain't ashamed
'Cause the longer I love her, the more I believe the stranger I love.
In "The Stranger I Love," Kris Kristofferson reflects on a tumultuous relationship with a woman who remains a mystery to him even after much time spent together. Throughout his life, Kristofferson has played many roles: a simple man, an insane man, a vagabond, and a king. However, he admits that he is a better man when he tries to satisfy the needs of the enigmatic woman he loves.
He finds himself drawn to her darkness and loneliness, like a moth to a flame. As they become closer, he learns more about her and becomes even more intrigued, despite the pain and confusion that often accompany their relationship. Kristofferson is not afraid of their love, despite its challenges, and he predicts that they will eventually find a way to be together romantically.
However, he also recognizes that there may come a time when their romantic love fades, and he is content to remain her friend and confidant. He is willing to take on whatever role she needs him to play, even if it means assuming a lesser position compared to her in public. Ultimately, Kristofferson's love for this "stranger" endures, as he gradually discovers more about her true nature and accepts her flaws along with her virtues.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been a simple man and I've been insane
I have experienced both simplicity and madness in my life
And I've been a vagabond and I've been a king, yeah
I have been a wanderer without a home and also held positions of power
But I've been a better man just tryin' to please the stranger I love
I have become a better person in my efforts to satisfy the woman I love even if she is still a stranger to me
Lost in a wilderness, darker than pain, drawn to her loneliness just like a flame
I feel lost and overwhelmed by my love for this woman despite her being lonely and distant
The closer we come the more that I learn, the stranger I love
As we become closer, I realize I still don't fully know this woman I am so in love with
Bad as I loved her, I ain't afraid we'll be together some lovin' way
Despite the difficulty of our relationship, I am not scared of a future where we can be together
I'll be her lover just as long as I can, then when it's over, she'll need a friend
I will be her romantic partner for as long as she will have me, and when the relationship ends, I will still be there for her as a friend
So I'll take her hand-me-downs, I'll take the blame
I will bear the consequences of her actions and take on the burden of her past mistakes
I'll be a hang-around, I ain't ashamed
I will be there for her even if it means taking a supporting role without receiving any recognition
Cause the longer I love her, the more I believe the stranger I love.
My love for her only grows stronger, and even though she remains a mystery to me, I have faith in our relationship
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind