For his orchestral cover album "Scratch My Back" Peter Gabriel chose to record "The Book of Love" by Stephin Merritt's The Magnetic Fields, which Gabriel had in fact recorded already once for the "Shall We Dance". In return, Merritt recorded this song and made it available as a digital download together with Gabriel's version of his song.
Not One Of Us
Stephin Merritt Lyrics
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In a stranger's tear
Looks are deceptive
But distinctions are clear
A foreign body
And a foreign mind
Never welcome
In the land of the blind
Talk like we do
But you know how it is
You're not one of us
Not one of us
No you're not one of us
Not one of us
Not one of us
No you're not one of us
There's safety in numbers
When you learn to divide
How can we be in
If there is no outside
All shades of opinion
Feed an open mind
But your values are twisted
Let us help you unwind
You may look like we do
Talk like we do
-But you know how it is
You're not one of us
Not one of us
No you're not one of us
Stephin Merritt's song "Not One Of Us" reflects the fear of the unknown and the unwillingness to accept those who are different. In the opening lines, Merritt uses the metaphor of "water in a stranger's tear" to represent something that is foreign and unfamiliar, but also vulnerable and easily dismissed. He goes on to say that while appearances can be deceiving, "distinctions are clear," and those who are "foreign" in both body and mind are never welcomed in "the land of the blind." This metaphor conveys the idea that people who are different are often ignored or judged based solely on superficial surface-level differences that have no bearing on one's character.
The chorus of the song repeats the title phrase "Not One Of Us," underscoring the theme of exclusion and the desire to maintain a sense of safety through conformity. Merritt reflects on the insular nature of group mentality and the idea that people often find safety in numbers, despite the fact that this can create an unnecessary division between those on the inside and those on the outside. The lyrics suggest that it is important to approach others with an open mind and to recognize that all shades of opinion have value. Ultimately, the song urges listeners to "help you unwind" and to recognize that everyone should be welcome and accepted for who they are, rather than judged based on superficial differences.
Line by Line Meaning
It's only water
The tears shed by a stranger in distress are of no consequence.
In a stranger's tear
The tears shed by a stranger in distress are of no consequence.
Looks are deceptive
Appearances can be misleading and should not be trusted.
But distinctions are clear
Despite appearances, there are clear differences that separate people from one another.
A foreign body
Someone or something that is unfamiliar and does not belong in a particular setting.
And a foreign mind
Someone whose way of thinking is different from what is considered acceptable in a particular setting.
Never welcome
Such a person is not accepted or embraced by the people in that setting.
In the land of the blind
In a setting where people are not receptive to new ideas or ways of thinking.
You may look like we do
Physically, you may resemble us and fit in with us.
Talk like we do
You may even speak the same language we do.
But you know how it is
But deep down, you know that you don't truly belong with us.
You're not one of us
You are not part of our group or community.
There's safety in numbers
People feel more secure and protected when they are part of a group.
When you learn to divide
The act of separating or dividing people into different camps creates a sense of ingroup and outgroup.
How can we be in
We cannot feel a sense of connection or belonging if there are no outsiders or people to exclude.
If there is no outside
If there are no people outside of our group, we cannot create a sense of ingroup and outgroup.
All shades of opinion
A variety of different viewpoints and beliefs.
Feed an open mind
Being open to different opinions and perspectives can expand our knowledge and understanding.
But your values are twisted
However, if someone's beliefs are severely different from our own, we may view them as wrong or misguided.
Let us help you unwind
We may try to persuade or change someone's beliefs to match our own.
No you're not one of us
Reinforcing the idea that this person does not belong with us and is excluded from our group.
Not one of us
Reinforcing the idea that this person does not belong with us and is excluded from our group.
Not one of us
Reinforcing the idea that this person does not belong with us and is excluded from our group.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER GABRIEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind