VHS's three core members have played music together for most of their lives. James Bohannon and Conor Cook went to middle school together in New York City, while James went to high school with Nils Vanderlip where they started their first band.
In 2015 VHS formed, based initially around home recordings which the band posted on Soundcloud. VHS began performing around NYC's lower east side rock clubs, eventually selling out several shows at the Mercury Lounge that year. In 2015, they released their debut EP whose lead single "Lean" rose to #8 on the Spotify Viral charts. In 2016, VHS released Stereo Hype, which included the indie hit “Waiting on the Summer." VHS performed at major festivals that year including Lollapalooza and ACL. The band continued to release singles and tour leading up to the release of their debut LP Retrofuturism in November 2018. VHS's songs have also been featured in Shameless, Sunday Night Football, Love, You, and dozens of other TV shows.
Stranger
Vhs Collection Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Were they anything at all
The signs that you would run
Were they painted on the wall
The crimes that you had done
Were they anything at all
The signs that you would runWere they painted on the wall
You don't have to
You don't have to be a stranger
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
You don't have to
You don't have to be a stranger
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
The lines that we had drawn
They got easier to cross
Sometimes the times are gone
Did the feeling just get lost
The lines that we had drawn
Did they get easier to cross
Sometimes the times are gone
Did the feeling just get lost
You don't have to
You don't have to be a strangerIt takes a lonely heart to disappear
You don't have to
You don't have to be a stranger
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
You got to get it all out
You got to get it out
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
You got to get it all out
You got to get it out
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
You don't have to
You don't have to be a stranger
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
You don't have to
You don't have to be a stranger
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
You don't have to
You don't have to be a stranger
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
You don't have to
You don't have to be a stranger
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
The lyrics to VHS Collection's song "Stranger" seem to be about a strained relationship in which both parties have committed some kind of wrongdoing. The first verse speaks about the "crimes" that have been done, questioning whether they were really anything worth being upset about. The chorus then invites the other person to not be a stranger and to try to work things out. The lyrics suggest that it can be difficult to forgive and move past mistakes, especially when it feels like one's heart is lonely and isolated.
The second verse talks about how the lines that have been drawn in the relationship have become easier to cross, possibly indicating that both parties are at fault for the issues at hand. The lyrics ask if the feelings that were once present have simply vanished. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that it doesn't have to be this way and that the two individuals need to open up and communicate in order to heal and move past their problems.
Overall, "Stranger" seems to be a song about the difficulties of maintaining relationships and the importance of communication and understanding in order to overcome those difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
The crimes that we have done
Reflecting on past actions and their severity
Were they anything at all
Wondering if the actions were truly consequential
The signs that you would run
Noticing when someone is trying to avoid a situation
Were they painted on the wall
Questioning if the signs were always present but ignored or only visible in hindsight
You don't have to
Assuring someone they don't need to isolate themselves
You don't have to be a stranger
Reassuring someone they don't have to feel distant
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
Implying that sometimes people need to leave situations or people to avoid loneliness
The lines that we had drawn
Reflecting on boundaries set and crossed
They got easier to cross
Noticing that the boundaries were not as strong as they once were
Sometimes the times are gone
Reflecting on fond memories and if they are still relevant
Did the feeling just get lost
Wondering if feelings and connections were lost or just put aside
You got to get it all out
Encouraging someone to express themselves fully
You got to get it out
Emphasizing the need to express emotions and feelings
It takes a lonely heart to disappear
Reiterating that sometimes people must leave to avoid feeling lonely
Contributed by Levi A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@simonemoretto6153
VHS's songs are just amazing, thank you shameless for letting me find out about this band
@yayisavedzelda
This song is fantastic! Love that 80's vibe.
@Officialzpd
I was recently listening to Spotify and a ad came up for this album Stereo Hype, fell in love with it immediately. My three faves are Stranger, The Longest Drive and Ghost
@halaalmarridi9133
Hi! i think i first heard you guys on the radio in 2020, and since the this has been my favorite type of music!!! i love your vibe and wish you all the bestt!
@kathiduran9583
Found these guys from an article in Quartz... I hope that article makes that number rise, the world needs to hear these guys!
@willshogren1987
This is unbelievably good.
@youtubeclique
They are so underrated! This is AMAZING!!!!
@csmedia1235
As are most bands. Radio is filled with crap.
@trynt4204
I discovered you guys on SoundCloud a few months ago...you've stolen my heart! One of my favorite bands of all time now, thank you thank you for being so damn awesome! Fire, One, and Sign are among the best songs I've ever heard. I am so glad I stumbled onto your music - it touches my soul :0)
@csmedia1235
Band should be called, "Underrated"