Strangers
St. Helena Lyrics

The song "Strangers" by St. Helena is a melancholic and reflective piece that talks about the breakdown of a romantic relationship. Throughout the song, the singer seems to be grappling with the complicated and painful emotions that come with falling out of love, questioning what to share or what to keep from the strangers who occupy the same space as her.

The opening lines "Lover, I don't play to win, Befall the thrill until I'm spent," suggest that the efforts of the singer in the relationship were never to win or dominate but to experience the pleasure that came with love, even if temporary. The following lines, "Paint the black hole blacker," show the futility in trying to cover up or attempt to hide the emptiness, symbolized here by the black hole.

The second verse contains some specific details of tumultuous events that might have occurred between the singer and her lover. The line, "I threw flowers in your face on my sister's wedding day," suggests that the singer could have felt anger or resentment towards her partner, which could have stemmed from the unraveling of their relationship. The lines "You showed up with a black eye looking to go start a fight, Playboys under your mattress, like I wouldn't notice," add to this narrative, furthering the story of the stormy and complex relationship.

The chorus repeats the refrain of "Paint the black hole blacker," reinforcing the idea that there is no neat resolution to the heartbreak and emptiness that the singer feels. The final lines, "Lover, I don't play to win, Befall the thrill until I'm spent," repeat the sentiment of the first verse, showing that despite heartbreak and struggle, the singer is still trying to find some meaning in the aftermath of the relationship.