For the popular band, featuring Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan, see: A Perfect Circle.
A Stranger
Perfect Circle Lyrics
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Up and over satellites
To draw out the timid wild one
To convince you it's alright
And I listen for the whisper
Of your sweet insanity
While I formulate denials
You're a stranger
So what do I care?
You vanish today
Not the first time I hear
All the lies
What am I to do with all this silence?
Shy away, shy away phantom
Run away, terrified child
Won't you move away, you fuckin' tornado
I'm better off without you
Tearing my will down
The first verse of "A Stranger" by Perfect Circle describes the singer's attempt to draw out someone who is shy or hesitant. They "cast the calming apple up and over satellites," potentially hoping to use technology to reach this person. The singer wants to "convince" this individual that everything is alright, but they are also in denial about the effect this person has on them. The second verse shifts to anger and frustration towards the same person, calling them a "phantom" and a "terrified child." The singer tells them to run away and move on, as they are better off without them tearing down their will.
The song appears to be about a toxic or damaging relationship, perhaps with someone who is very unpredictable or prone to emotional outbursts. The "whisper of your sweet insanity" suggests that this person may be charming or persuasive, but ultimately unreliable. The repetition of "shy away" and "run away" in the second verse reinforces the idea that the singer feels trapped or threatened by this person. They want to distance themselves from the relationship and move on, but are still struggling with their own emotions and attachments.
Overall, "A Stranger" is a powerful and emotional song about the difficulties of letting go of someone who is harmful or unstable. The lyrics suggest both compassion and anger towards the other person, reflecting the complicated emotions that can arise in these situations.
Line by Line Meaning
Cast the calming apple
In an attempt to ease your anxiety, I offer you a symbol of tranquility
Up and over satellites
Across the distance between us, I send this offering up into the sky towards you
To draw out the timid wild one
To inspire the scared and vulnerable part of yourself to come forward, out of hiding
To convince you it's alright
To suggest that everything will be okay and ease any concerns or doubts you may have
And I listen for the whisper
I pay close attention for any sign of your quiet distress
Of your sweet insanity
Of your unique madness and unpredictable behavior
while I formulate denials
As I internally refute my own personal accountability for how you affect me
of your effect on me
Of the way you emotionally impact me
You're a stranger
I don't really know you
So what do I care?
Why should I be concerned about what you do or how you act?
You vanish today
You disappear, as you have on other occasions
Not the first time I hear
I have experienced this before
All the lies
I am aware that you are deceitful in your words and behavior
What am I to do with all this silence?
I am left in a state of confusion by the absence of communication
Shy away, shy away phantom
Stay hidden, stay hidden phantom
Run away, terrified child
Escape, terrified child
Won't you move away, you fuckin' tornado
Please leave me and my life in peace, you destructive vortex
I'm better off without you
It would be in my best interest to sever ties with you
Tearing my will down
Exhausting and damaging my willpower and emotional strength
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Maynard James Keenan, William L. Howerdel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind