Strangers
Norms Lyrics

If we could go back to when
Reflecting on a past time when things were simpler and we weren't burdened by regrets and mistakes.

We were still strangers
Before we knew each other intimately and our actions began to affect one another to a great extent.

Before acts and omissions showed us the dangers
Before the consequences of our words and actions became clear to us, and we realized the truth of the adage 'actions speak louder than words'.

Of starting down paths that ended in blame
Choosing a course of action that ultimately leads to one party blaming another for the ensuing outcome.

If we could go back and forget what we know
If we could wipe the slate clean and approach the situation with fresh eyes and an open mind.

There'd be things that I'd say
There are things left unsaid, ideas left unshared, that we could explore if we reset our relationship to its earlier stages.

And more that I'd show
There are physical and emotional aspects of myself that I have not yet revealed to you, which would be available to you if we could start anew as strangers.

If we could be strangers again
At this point in time, we are too familiar, too entrenched in our current dynamic; we need a reset, a chance to start fresh.

You can't ever go back
It is impossible to truly reverse time and undo our past words and actions.

Or unsay what's been said
Once words have been spoken, they cannot be unsaid and the message cannot truly be taken back.

You can only move forward
All we can do in life is keep moving forward, even if we need to adjust our perspective and approach to do so effectively.

On the road that's ahead.
Our path is still unfolding and there is much potential for growth and discovery along the way.

Let go of the anger
Holding on to anger from past transgressions and hurts against one another only leads to further conflict and discord.

Let go of the pain
We must come to terms with the hurts experienced and move forward with a clear conscience, rather than dwelling on past grievances.

And learn to start over
We must accept that sometimes relationships need a fresh start and be willing to put in the work to achieve that goal.

If we could go back to long before lines were crossed
Reflecting on a time when certain boundaries had not yet been breached, and we could still approach the situation with innocence and naivete.

Before there were so many opportunities lost
Reflecting on moments when we might have taken a different course and subsequently missed out on potential growth opportunities between us.

To a dark subterranean emotional strain
Referencing the hidden complexities and undercurrents of emotion running beneath our current interactions, which add to our troubles and make communication difficult.

I'd open my mind and open my heart
Making a promise to approach the situation without preconceptions, to be open to new ideas and feelings in order to form a new relationship between us.

Just like I should have right from the start
Acknowledging that there were mistakes made in the past, and committing to doing better this time around if given the opportunity.

I know it seems risky and I know that your scared
Both parties are aware that restarting their relationship as strangers is an uncertain and emotionally precarious prospect.

But remember the lessons of all those who dared
Using examples of others who have risked much to achieve great things as encouragement to pursue the potential of a new beginning between us.

That there's plenty to lose, but there's plenty to gain
Entering into a new relationship with an open heart and an open mind is always a gamble, but holding back out of fear can result in missing out on great rewards.

If you, for a moment could open your heart
Encouraging the other party to take a chance and open themselves up to the possibility of a new connection between us.

You'll find there's a magic to one more fresh start
Believing that there is something truly special about the opportunity to begin again with one another, something that might not ever exist again in the same way in the future.

Learn to start over as strangers again
Summarizing the message of the song, that sometimes the best way to move forward in a damaged relationship is to start fresh and allow each party to come together anew.