Stranger In Paradise
Matt Monro Lyrics
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I'm a stranger in paradise
All lost in a wonderland
A stranger in paradise
If I stand starry-eyed
That's a danger in paradise
For mortals who stand beside
An angel like you
I saw your face
And I ascended
Out of the commonplace
Into the rare
Somewhere in space
I hang suspended
Until I know
There's a chance that you care
Won't you answer the fervent prayer
Of a stranger in paradise
Don't send me in dark despair
From all that I hunger for
But open your angel's arms
To the stranger in paradise
And tell him
That he need be
A stranger no more
The lyrics to the classic song "Stranger in Paradise" by Matt Monro describe the feeling of being entranced by someone or something new and unfamiliar. The singer, who is lost in wonderment, takes the hand of an angelic figure that has caught their eye. The singer is wary of the danger that comes with being so captivated, but they cannot help themselves. The singer is caught up in a space between the common and the rare, suspended by the possibility that the object of their affection might care for them in return.
It is a prayer from a stranger seeking solace in the arms of someone they barely know but have come to cherish. They desperately plead with this person to give them a chance and not leave them in dark despair. The final line of the song asks the angelic figure to welcome the "stranger in paradise" into their arms and release them from the feeling of being lost and alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Take my hand
Please hold my hand and help me feel more connected to this new and unfamiliar place.
I'm a stranger in paradise
I feel like an outsider in this beautiful and perfect setting.
All lost in a wonderland
I am completely absorbed and overwhelmed by the beauty of this place.
A stranger in paradise
I feel like I don't belong in this beautiful world.
If I stand starry-eyed
If I gaze into the beautiful surroundings in amazement.
That's a danger in paradise
This is a problem because it could lead to causing problems in this beautiful place.
For mortals who stand beside
For the regular people who are not as beautiful or interesting as you.
An angel like you
You, who are so beautiful and perfect, are like an angel to me.
I saw your face
When I saw you, I was struck by your beauty and perfection.
And I ascended
I felt like I was lifted up or transported to another world because of your beauty.
Out of the commonplace
Your beauty made me forget about everyday life and mundane things.
Into the rare
You made me feel like I was experiencing something special and unique.
Somewhere in space
I feel like I am suspended in another realm.
I hang suspended
I am completely entranced and unable to move or focus on anything else.
Until I know
I won't be able to relax or focus until I understand what you think of me.
There's a chance that you care
If I knew that you cared even a little about me, it would mean so much and make me feel less like an outsider.
Won't you answer the fervent prayer
Please respond to my plea and tell me that you care about me.
Of a stranger in paradise
I'm a newcomer here who feels like an outsider.
Don't send me in dark despair
Please don't make me feel sad and hopeless by rejecting me.
From all that I hunger for
I crave your affection and acceptance more than anything else.
But open your angel's arms
Please embrace me and make me feel welcomed.
To the stranger in paradise
Please accept me, an outsider in this beautiful place, and make me feel like I belong.
And tell him
And let me know
That he need be
That he doesn't have to be
A stranger no more
An outsider who feels out of place and unwanted in this beautiful paradise.
Writer(s): George Chet Forrest, Bob Wright
Contributed by Taylor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jim Hunter
on Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
looked for this one for a long time, he's the best.