Strangers by The Kinks Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Bonds of Shared Destiny
Lyrics
I’ve killed my world and I’ve killed my time
So where do I go? What will I see?
I see many people coming after me
So where are you going to, I don’t mind
If I live too long I’m afraid I’ll die
So I will follow you wherever you go
If your offered hand is still open to me
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two, we are one
So you’ve been where I’ve just come
From the land that brings losers on
So we will share this road we walk
And mind our mouths and beware our talk
‘Til peace we find, tell you what I’ll do
All the things I own I will share with you
And, if I feel tomorrow like I feel today
We’ll take what we want and give the rest away
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two, we are one
Holy man and holy priest
This love of life makes me weak at my knees
And when we get there, make your play
‘Cause soon I fear you’re gonna carry us away
And a promised lie you made us believe
For many men there is so much grief
And my mind is proud but it aches with rage
And, if I live too long I’m afraid I’ll die
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two, we are one
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two, we are one
In the lexicon of classic rock, The Kinks have etched a legacy of poignant lyricism and indelible melodies. Their song ‘Strangers,’ penned by the band’s guitarist Dave Davies, seemingly encapsulates a labyrinth of human connection, existential musings, and a search for solidarity in a world laden with individualistic pursuits.
At first glance, ‘Strangers’ offers a melodic trove of folk-rock sound, but delve a little deeper, and one discovers a treasure of thought-provoking lyricism. As we explore the lines that bind dreams and reality, brotherhood and solitude, we unravel the true essence of this underrated masterpiece.
The Odyssey of Non-conformity
The opening lines, ‘Where are you going, I don’t mind / I’ve killed my world and I’ve killed my time,’ introduce a character indifferent to societal norms. This nonchalance towards the direction of life mirrors a sense of existential rebellion and a freeing of oneself from the clutches of the conventional clockwork of society.
There is a stirring acknowledgement of life’s paradoxes; the protagonist understands that living excessively might ultimately lead to a fear of death, suggesting wisdom that only comes through embracing life’s impermanence.
Comradery in Solitude: The Hidden Heartbeat of ‘Strangers’
At the heart of ‘Strangers’ throbs an acknowledgment of shared destiny and fellowship. ‘We are not two, we are one,’ the chorus trumpets, a profound mantra shattering the illusion of isolation that often accompanies life’s journey.
Through this, Davies voices a universal truth – despite our singular paths, our struggles and triumphs are interconnected. Our roadmaps may vary, but the final destination aligns us as kindred spirits.
A Call for Selflessness in a Self-Centered World
‘All the things I own I will share with you,’ pledges the narrator, invoking the spirit of altruism and compassion. In a society that often promotes accumulation and personal gain, ‘Strangers’ serves as a stirring hymn of generosity and shared prosperity.
Amidst the promises of unity and shared burdens, there lies an invigorating call to action to dismantle the barriers of selfishness and to tread a mutually beneficial path.
The Painful Truth Behind ‘A Promised Lie’
The track doesn’t shy away from unveiling the disillusionment and skepticism towards authority figures. The mention of ‘Holy man and holy priest’ coupled with the emotional response, ‘makes me weak at my knees,’ illustrates a visceral distrust and questioning of those who purportedly guide the moral compass but often mislead.
‘And a promised lie you made us believe / For many men there is so much grief,’ further embodies the plight of those deceived by false prophets, be it in religion, politics, or everyday interactions.
Memorable Lines that Echo the Journey of Togetherness
Songs often become timeless through lines that resonate across generations. ‘Strangers’ bears such weight with, ‘Strangers on this road we are on / We are not two, we are one.’ These lyrics succinctly capture the essence of humanity’s shared journey, piercing through the facade of unfamiliarity and lighting the way towards recognizing our innate connectedness.
In an oeuvre of seemingly endless introspection and camaraderie, it is the universality and simplicity of these words that transform ‘Strangers’ into an anthem of unity, reflecting on our collective experience in an uncertain landscape.
