The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
One, two, three, four
One, two, three,
Well I haven't seen your face for years
I thought you had just disappeared
Don't you worry, what are friends for?
You can call me up most anytime
I never go to bed 'til five
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
I heard you're in the south of Spain
Never coming back again
Don't be a stranger
A stranger no more
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
Well the key is hanging on the chain
Are you still drinkin' the same champagne
While I been waiting on the fifteenth floor?
Have a glass while I light the fire
You still have those hungry eyes
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
You can tell me about your escapades
The story of your lost decade
Don't be a stranger
A stranger no more
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
(Hey baby)
Do you still drive the young men wild?
You were all so very versatile
I need your lovin' like never before
Well you walk with the same old swatch
I still got the same old couch
You see the painting that you always adored
And I love you sittin' in my chair
Come closer let me smell your hair
Don't be a stranger
A stranger no more
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
One, two, three,
Well I haven't seen your face for years
I thought you had just disappeared
Don't you worry, what are friends for?
You can call me up most anytime
I never go to bed 'til five
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
I heard you're in the south of Spain
Never coming back again
Don't be a stranger
A stranger no more
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
Well the key is hanging on the chain
Are you still drinkin' the same champagne
While I been waiting on the fifteenth floor?
Have a glass while I light the fire
You still have those hungry eyes
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
You can tell me about your escapades
The story of your lost decade
Don't be a stranger
A stranger no more
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
(Hey baby)
Do you still drive the young men wild?
You were all so very versatile
I need your lovin' like never before
Well you walk with the same old swatch
I still got the same old couch
You see the painting that you always adored
And I love you sittin' in my chair
Come closer let me smell your hair
Don't be a stranger
A stranger no more
Don't be a stranger
Just knock on my door
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Don't be a stranger
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Don't Be A Stranger Lyrics as written by Mick Jagger Keith Richards
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Great version of a great song,
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I love this song. Super upbeat and easy-going, with a message of never being afraid to reconnect with a person, whether it be romantic or otherwise.
I usually think of this song as being addressed to two different people. The first person he's talking to is a friend of his who has maybe abandoned a lot of the people he knows for "greener pastures." And while a lot of the people he abandoned are probably resentful and don't really ever want to talk with him again, the narrator of the song is saying to swing by and hang out whenever, because after all, "what are friends for?" The narrator doesn't mind if the person disappeared or took a mental break, and they haven't spoken in some time. He just likes to have company, and doesn't take anything personally.
The second person the narrator addresses is obviously an "old flame" of some sort. He's basically saying "a decade has transpired since we last saw each other, but it's all good. Oh, and by the way... you've still got it..." Which is kind of funny, but it's also pretty common with the Stones. They view love as pretty fluid, and something to just be enjoyed when it can be.