traveling across the country with Cheap Trick…” where the idea that songwriting
is “a way for me to meld the world of dreams and real life.” An auspicious
beginning that resulted in a musical brew Miles calls “Beatle-esque Cosmic
Americana”. A rich and layered sound that seamlessly blends Alternative
Country and Blue-Eyed Soul, some Pop and Rock, and Tin Pan Alley song-craft.
So with an open hand and a rusted heart Miles invites you in to listen to his
dreams of real life.
Strangers
Miles Nielsen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could tell strangers the truth
And why would you not sing along?
Radio plays your favourite song
Go tell your mother
Her favorite son is coming home
Go tell your father
That he was never wrong
Why could I not talk to you?
I could tell strangers the truth
And why would I not sing along?
Radio plays your favorite song
Go tell your mother
Her favorite son's number one
Go tell your father
That you were never wrong
Why could I not talk to you?
I could tell strangers the truth
And then we all clap sing along
Radio plays your favourite song
Go tell your mother
Her favourite son has gone
Go tell your father
That he is number one
Why could I not talk to you?
I could tell strangers the truth
The song "Strangers" by Miles Nielsen explores the concept of the difficulty in communicating with someone close to you, contrasted with the ability to open up to strangers. The repetition of the first stanza - "Why could I not talk to you? I could tell strangers the truth" - emphasizes this contradiction, as if the singer is frustrated with himself for being unable to express his thoughts and emotions to a loved one. The second stanza shifts the focus to the other person, wondering why they wouldn't "sing along" with him or share in the same connection.
The chorus then takes on a different tone, addressing the parents of both people involved, as if to say that the family dynamics and relationships have impacted their ability to communicate with each other. The final stanza brings the song full circle, repeating the opening lines and adding a sense of closure with the image of a group of strangers singing and clapping along to the radio - a reminder that sometimes it's easier to connect with those we don't know than those we do.
Overall, "Strangers" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the struggle to communicate effectively even with those closest to us.
Line by Line Meaning
Why could I not talk to you?
The inability to communicate and open up to someone close.
I could tell strangers the truth
Finding comfort in revealing personal truths to complete strangers.
And why would you not sing along?
The hesitancy to participate in an activity due to various personal reasons.
Radio plays your favourite song
The familiarity and popularity of a song on the radio.
Go tell your mother
Sharing information with a loved one.
Her favorite son is coming home
Expressing the joy of a family reunion.
Go tell your father
Sharing information with a loved one.
That he was never wrong
Acknowledging the wisdom and guidance of a father figure.
Go tell your mother
Sharing information with a loved one.
Her favorite son's number one
Celebrating personal achievements and success.
Go tell your father
Sharing information with a loved one.
That you were never wrong
Affirming confidence and knowledge in oneself.
Why could I not talk to you?
Returning to the initial theme of communication difficulties with someone close.
And why would I not sing along?
The personal doubts and fears that hold one back from full participation in an activity.
Radio plays your favorite song
The allure and comfort of familiar media.
Go tell your mother
Sharing information with a loved one.
Her favorite son's number one
Reiteration of personal success.
Go tell your father
Sharing information with a loved one.
That he is number one
Acknowledging and appreciating the importance and influence of a father figure.
Why could I not talk to you?
Final emphasis on difficulty with communication.
I could tell strangers the truth
Comfort in sharing personal truths and experiences with strangers.
Contributed by Sydney I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.