Changing his name from Jeremy Thomas McRae Blackall to just Tom McRae - he released his first, self-titled album in 2001, during the height of the new acoustic movement, and gained Mercury Music Prize nomination. His second album, Just Like Blood, was released in February of 2003, which was produced by Ben Hillier, responsible for Elbow’s Asleep In The Back, with which McRae’s album shares a similar melancholy but uplifting atmosphere. In 2004, McRae moved to California where he wrote and recorded his next album, All Maps Welcome, which was released in May 2005. His fourth album, King of Cards was released on 14th May 2007. A talented live performer, he supported Tori Amos on the UK leg of her Original Sinsuality tour, Paul Weller, Dido, World Party, The Waterboys among others. He is recognised as an intelligent and talented performer, influenced by, among others, Nick Drake, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Jeff Buckley.
Strangest Land
Tom McRae Lyrics
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The road to paradise
Is littered with your saviors
The lines are growing faint
Another paper saint has put us all in danger
So take my hand
I'm a stranger in the strangest land
Slide into my heart
We'll hide there in the dark
I catch you in my lights
I'm reaching for a knife
For halo girls and dreamers
A statue comes to life
Another roadside shrine
For hypocrites and bleeders
So take my hand
I'm a stranger in the strangest land
I'll return the favor
Slide into my heart
We'll hide there in the dark
A bullet from a stolen gun
How much I'll miss you when you're gone
But now I think it's time you went away
So take my hand
I'm a stranger in the strangest land
I'll return the favor
Slide into my heart
We'll hide there in the dark
In the dark
In the dark
The lyrics to Tom McRae’s song “Strangest Land” are cryptic yet full of imagery that creates a picture of a bleak and unforgiving environment. McRae opens the song with "Another dead dog highway," painting the image of a desolate and lonely road. The "road to paradise" he speaks of is also littered with those who claim to be saviors but have failed, leading to a sense of danger.
The line "Another paper saint has put us all in danger" could imply that those who claim to be righteous or holy can often be dangerous due to their misguided ideologies. McRae goes on to speak of those who appear to be hypocritical in their religious beliefs, and of those who are dreamers and idolize unattainable idealisms.
However, amidst this picture of hopelessness, McRae offers a hand in friendship, a chance to connect with another person in this strange and lonely place: "So take my hand, I'm a stranger in the strangest land / I'll return the favor." He offers a temporary escape from the bleakness and encourages his companion to "slide into my heart / We'll hide there in the dark."
In the final verse, he speaks of a "bullet from a stolen gun" and the impending loss of a loved one. The imagery McRae uses is raw and disturbing, but ultimately, he offers companionship and the chance to find a moment of peace even in dark times.
Line by Line Meaning
Another dead dog highway
The road is full of tragedy and despair, much like a highway littered with the remains of unfortunate animals.
The road to paradise
Many people believe that following a certain path will lead them to a perfect life, but the reality of the situation is different.
Is littered with your saviors
Those who claim to be able to lead others to paradise end up being just as lost and flawed as everyone else.
The lines are growing faint
The path to paradise is becoming harder and harder to see, which means people are becoming more disillusioned.
Another paper saint has put us all in danger
Another false prophet has convinced people to follow them, despite the potential harm that may come as a result.
So take my hand
The singer is offering comfort and guidance to someone who is lost and uncertain.
I'm a stranger in the strangest land
The singer is in a foreign place, surrounded by strange and unfamiliar things.
I'll return the favor
The artist is willing to help someone else in the same way they are currently being helped.
Slide into my heart
The artist is offering emotional support to someone who needs it.
We'll hide there in the dark
The artist and the other person will provide comfort and support to each other, even in difficult times.
I catch you in my lights
The singer is illuminated by something, and can see someone else who is also illuminated.
I'm reaching for a knife
The artist is expecting danger, and is preparing themselves for it.
For halo girls and dreamers
The singer is referring to people who have unrealistic expectations and beliefs.
A statue comes to life
Something that was once believed to be static and unchangeable has suddenly become dynamic and unpredictable.
Another roadside shrine
Another symbol of reverence has been erected on the side of the road.
For hypocrites and bleeders
The artist is referring to people who are insincere and manipulative.
A bullet from a stolen gun
Something dangerous and destructive is coming from a place where it should not be coming from.
How much I'll miss you when you're gone
The singer is recognizing the value of someone else, even though they may not express it directly.
But now I think it's time you went away
Despite their feelings, the singer recognizes that it may be time for someone else to move on.
In the dark
The artist and the other person will support each other even in times of darkness and uncertainty.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MCRAE, Tom Mcrae
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind