Stranger in Moscow
Tame Impala Lyrics


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I was wandering in the rain (Mask of life, feelin' insane)
Swift and sudden fall from grace (Sunny days seem far away)
Kremlin's shadow belittlin' me (Stalin's tomb won't let me be)
On and on and on it came

How does it feel? (How does it feel?)
How does it feel?
How does it feel?
How does it feel?

How does it feel? (How does it feel?)
How does it feel?
How does it feel
When you're alone
And you're cold inside?

Here abandoned in my fame (Armageddon of the brain)
KGB was doggin' me (Take my name and just let me be)
Then a begger boy called my name (Happy days will drown the pain)
On and on and on it came

How does it feel? (How does it feel?)
How does it feel?
How does it feel?
How does it feel?

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
How does it feel?

Like a stranger in Moscow
Like a stranger in Moscow
Like a stranger in Moscow

How does it feel? (How does it feel?)
How does it feel?




How does it feel?
How does it feel?

Overall Meaning

In "Stranger in Moscow," Tame Impala explores a sense of isolation and alienation as the singer wanders alone through the deserted streets of Moscow on a rainy day. The singer's mental state is marked by a "mask of life" and an "armageddon of the brain," suggesting a sense of internal turmoil and confusion. Meanwhile, external factors compound these feelings of isolation, as the singer is belittled by the shadow of the Kremlin and dogged by the KGB.


As the song progresses, the singer encounters a beggar boy who calls out their name, offering a glimpse of hope and human connection amidst the loneliness. However, the refrain of "how does it feel?" suggests a continued sense of uncertainty and unease, as if the singer is struggling to process their emotions and experiences. By the end of the song, the singer identifies themselves as a "stranger in Moscow," further emphasizing their estrangement from their surroundings and fellow humans.


Line by Line Meaning

I was wandering in the rain
Lost and confused, feeling like I couldn't find my way, while everything around me seems chaotic.


Swift and sudden fall from grace
I experienced a swift and abrupt downfall from a place of greatness or success, leaving me feeling lost and alone.


Kremlin's shadow belittlin' me
The looming shadow of authority figures and powerful institutions made me feel small and insignificant, unable to assert myself.


On and on and on it came
These negative feelings and experiences seemed endless, never letting up or providing a reprieve.


Here abandoned in my fame
Despite having achieved success and fame, I still felt alone and neglected, as if the people around me only cared about my image and not who I truly am.


KGB was doggin' me
Feeling constantly watched and pursued by those in power, as if I am being targeted and hunted like prey.


Then a begger boy called my name
In the midst of my isolation and despair, an unexpected connection with someone who is not part of my usual environment gave me a glimmer of hope and comfort.


How does it feel?
The repeated questioning of how it feels highlights the desperation to be understood and acknowledged for the pain and difficulty being experienced.


Like a stranger in Moscow
Feeling out of place and disconnected, like a foreigner in a place where everyone else seems to belong and understand each other.




Contributed by Luke C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@roytampu

I was wandering in the rain (Mask of life, feelin' insane)
Swift and sudden fall from grace (Sunny days seem far away)
Kremlin's shadow belittlin' me (Stalin's tomb won't let me be)
On and on and on it came

How does it feel? (How does it feel?)
How does it feel?
How does it feel?
How does it feel?

How does it feel? (How does it feel?)
How does it feel?
How does it feel
When you're alone
And you're cold inside?

Here abandoned in my fame (Armageddon of the brain)
KGB was doggin' me (Take my name and just let me be)
Then a begger boy called my name (Happy days will drown the pain)
On and on and on it came

How does it feel? (How does it feel?)
How does it feel?
How does it feel?
How does it feel?

How does it feel?
How does it feel?
How does it feel?

Like a stranger in Moscow
Like a stranger in Moscow
Like a stranger in Moscow

How does it feel? (How does it feel?)
How does it feel?
How does it feel?
How does it feel?



All comments from YouTube:

@dianasendt9509

The fact that tame chose this song to cover shows immaculate taste. This is MJs best song

@strangemachines_

Yes, 100%

@qoscarjenkins9527

Please

@mezykin

It also may suggest that they're big fans of Sonic The Hedgehog ๐Ÿ˜‰

@1kmindset

human nature?

@TandemKnights

It's a highly underrated song for sure but to say it's MJ's best song is a bit of a stretch. Don't get me wrong, it's legit but I don't know that it will stand the test of time like Billy Jean, Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Beat it and many others. It's def good though.

2 More Replies...

@F1amisismatt1

Anything Kevin Parker touches becomes gold. Every cover heโ€™s done just becomes immaculate. He doesnโ€™t miss.

@becw9972

Well said!!

@jmwFILMS

Anyone else hear that ย  iPhone beep at 1:33 ? ย lol

@jackbregman6347

ya hahaย 

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