As a youngster, Meisner developed an interest in the guitar at ten years old, after seeing Elvis Presley perform on the Ed Sullivan Show. He began taking lessons and playing in local bands. While attending Scottsbluff High School, one of his teachers suggested he take up the bass.
Meisner played bass and sang with a local Scottsbluff band named The Dynamics (later The Drivin' Dynamics) from 1961 to 1965. Early in 1966, Meisner moved to California with a band named The Soul Survivors, later renamed The Poor.
In May 1968, after auditioning alongside Gregg Allman and Timothy B. Schmit, Meisner joined Poco (originally named Pogo) alongside former Buffalo Springfield members Richie Furay and Jim Messina. Meisner appears on the group's first album, Pickin' Up the Pieces, but quit the band shortly before the record was released. He was succeeded in the band by Timothy B. Schmit. In 1970, Meisner joined Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band while he was also active in Linda Ronstadt's backup band which featured Don Henley, Glenn Frey & Bernie Leadon.
In 1971, he, along with Henley, Frey and Leadon, formed Eagles and they released their debut album in 1972. The success of Eagles brought an end to Meisner's session work, as well as his involvement with the Linda Ronstadt band. While he usually manned the bass and handled backing vocals for Eagles, he also played guitar on Desperado, On The Border, and Hotel California. During his stint with the band, he wrote and/or co-wrote songs on each of the group's first five albums - most notably "Take It to the Limit" on One of These Nights - and was featured as lead vocalist on several songs.
Meisner decided to leave Eagles after the final date of the band's 1977 tour and returned to Nebraska to be with his family. The band replaced Meisner with the same musician who had succeeded him in Poco, Timothy B. Schmit.
Following his departure from the Eagles, Meisner went on to release solo albums in 1978 (Randy Meisner) and 1980 (One More Song).
Throughout the early 1980s, he toured with his band, Randy Meisner & the Silverados.
In 1985, Meisner became part of an all-star band Black Tie composed of Jimmy Griffin (of Bread) and Billy Swan.
From 1987 to 1989, Meisner formed a band and toured with former Firefall singer-songwriter Rick Roberts, called the Roberts-Meisner Band.
In 1989 and 1990, Meisner reunited with Poco for the Legacy album and tour.
Meisner was invited by Eagles to take part in their History of the Eagles world tour in 2013, but he declined due to health issues.
Strangers
Randy Meisner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A high-wire act above the center ring
While the audience is wondering
If they'll make it back
Two people up on a wire
Overhead and under fire
While the audience inquire
Strangers, after all, we find
We're strangers after all this time
We've made the long and the lonely climb
And now we've reached the part
Where we find we're strangers
We were strangers from the start
Two people caught in the tide
On the edge of love and pride
And both afraid to approach the side
And fall again
Two people playing the part
But which is life and which is art
And isn't it a little late to start
It all again
Strangers, after all, we find
We're strangers after all this time
We've made the long and the lonely climb
And now we've reached the part
Where we find we're strangers
We were strangers from the start
Strangers, after all, we find
We're strangers after all this time
We've made the long and the lonely climb
And now we've reached the part
Where we find we're strangers
We were strangers from the start
We find we're strangers
Strangers from the start
We find we're strangers
Strangers from the start
The lyrics of Randy Meisner's "Strangers" focus on two people who are struggling to maintain a relationship, despite feeling like strangers to each other. Meisner uses the imagery of a high-wire act to convey the tension and uncertainty of the situation. The two people are caught on a string, performing for an audience that is questioning whether they'll make it back safely. The wire represents the delicate balance of the relationship, and the fear of falling represents the fear of failure and rejection.
Meisner further explores the idea of being strangers to each other by incorporating the metaphor of playing a part. He questions whether their relationship is genuine, or merely a performance. He also reflects on their past, suggesting that they were always strangers to each other, even from the start. The final lines of the song repeat the chorus, emphasizing the emotional distance between the two people and their inability to connect.
Overall, "Strangers" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of relationships, and the difficulty of overcoming the fear of vulnerability and rejection. The song highlights the fragility of human connection and the importance of communication and intimacy in maintaining a healthy relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Two people caught on a string
Two people, possibly in a relationship, are in a precarious situation, like performers on a tightrope, with their fate uncertain.
A high-wire act above the center ring
They're metaphorically like performers doing a high-wire act, with all eyes on them, waiting to see if they fall or make it to the other end.
While the audience is wondering
People are watching them, wondering what will happen to them.
If they'll make it back
If they'll survive the ordeal and stay together.
Two people up on a wire
The couple is still in a challenging situation.
Overhead and under fire
They're receiving criticism or facing obstacles while trying to stay together.
While the audience inquire
People are asking questions and trying to understand their situation.
If it's just an act
Whether their relationship is genuine or just a façade.
We're strangers after all this time
Despite being together for a while, they don't truly know each other or feel connected.
We've made the long and the lonely climb
Their journey to be together was difficult and isolating.
And now we've reached the part
They've gotten to a point where they're forced to confront their relationship.
Where we find we're strangers
They're realizing that they're not as close as they thought, and there's a lot they don't know about each other.
We were strangers from the start
From the beginning, there was a lack of closeness and intimacy in their relationship.
Two people caught in the tide
They're swept up in strong emotions, like a current in the ocean.
On the edge of love and pride
They're struggling between their desire for a relationship and their own egos.
And both afraid to approach the side
They both fear being vulnerable, which prevents them from moving forward in the relationship.
And fall again
They're afraid of getting hurt again, like they have in the past.
Two people playing the part
They're acting normal and pretending everything is okay but it's not.
But which is life and which is art
They've lost touch with reality, and it's difficult to tell what's genuine in their relationship and what's not.
And isn't it a little late to start
They're questioning whether it's too late to try to improve their relationship.
We find we're strangers
They come to realize they don't know each other well enough.
Strangers from the start
Their relationship was never as close as they assumed.
Contributed by John N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mike Flanagan
Well sung Randy ...👍the Radio should have played this song wow what a voice ....Elton loved this version☺☺
Лиля Есаян
Very impressive! Randy contributed so much to the world's musical culture.
Glenn Hall
Randy's voice from the start is amazing. Great!
Michael Simmons
I always enjoyed Randy's solo work. Great song.
fritshits65
that unreal voice..; how soothing and what a treat to my ears , heart & soul!!
Irene Downie
My favourite Eagle and my favourite female rock vocalist. Their gorgeous voices blend together beautifully and effortlessly. ❤️
Evandro
Essa versão do Elton John nas vozes do Randy Meisner e Ann Wilson ficou perfeita !!
JLE
Wow, Randy amazing as always and with one of my favorite female vocalists of all time from Heart, Ann Wilson: chill inducing!!!
lidia barrera
Randy Meisner. woao all his solo songs were vocally superior to the Eagles. Beautiful!!!! Thanks for the video.
Ronnie Friend
UR welcome. Glad U enjoy!