Eyes Of A Stranger

Queensrÿche

Dr. David, telephone please. Dr. David
Dr. Blair, Dr. Blair, Dr. J. Hamilton, Dr. J Hamilton

All alone now
Except for the memories
Of what we had and what we knew
Every time I try to leave it behind me
I see something that reminds me of you
Every night the dreams return to haunt me
Your rosary wrapped around your throat
I lie awake and sweat, afraid to fall asleep
I see your face looking back at me, looking back at me

And I raise my head and stare
Into the eyes of a stranger
I've always known that the mirror never lies
People always turn away
From the eyes of a stranger
Afraid to know what
Lies behind the stare

Is this all that's left
Of my life before me
Straight jacket memories, sedative highs
No happy ending like they've always promised
There's got to be something left for me
And I raise my head and stare
Into the eyes of a stranger
I've always known that the mirror never lies
People always turn away
From the eyes of a stranger
Afraid to know what
Lies behind the stare (Lies behind my stare)

How many times must I live this tragedy
How many more lies will they tell me
All I want is the same as everyone
Why am I here, and for how long

And I raise my head and stare
Into the eyes of a stranger
I've always known that the mirror never lies
People always turn away
From the eyes of a stranger
Afraid to know what
Lies behind the stare


Lyrics submitted by Ice

Eyes of a Stranger Lyrics as written by Geoff Tate Chris Degarmo

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Eyes Of A Stranger song meanings
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15 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment
    It's an introspective on Nikki's character that provides the climax for the Mindcrime story. Basically, Nikki is looking into a mirror, and realizing that he doesn't recognize the person he's become. The ultimate depths of depression, leaving Nikki broken and utterly alone. And it ends, of course, with an audio montage of the entire album. It's themes are smashed together, and then out of the cacophany you find the single most important thread: redemption.
    ThirdRevolutionon October 10, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment
    Ugh some of these answers..."if you're really a fan, you'll know." Thanks for nothing.... Here is an article where the band goes into detail about each of the songs in the album, one by one (There are some intro quotes, but scroll down for the specific list of song meanings and explanations.) Empire is discussed too. Hope that helps! …
    Crashley2020on November 17, 2020   Link
  • +1
    My Opinion
    Was a drunkard for seven years. It was added to that I had bad mental health for almost thirty years. I experienced the meaning in the chorus eveytime I looked into the mirror. I could not see my face. I did not recognize the person I saw. It was just a blur. One day I repented, Jesus did it. I believe it. After that I could see my face again. I could see who I was.
    Baconpieon August 09, 2021   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    One of my favorite songs.
    CB2001on August 21, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    'One of my favorite songs' Is that really the meaning? - Anyway, This song is Nikki's recollection of his part in the revolution that Dr. X tricked him into joining.
    Empire1987on March 19, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Always good to know what peoples favorite songs are..... If anyone was as fortunate as I was to see this Operation Livecrime, the concert did a great job telling the story and meanings of all the Mindcrime songs. For those that didn't see it, I highly recommend getting the footage from it. Especially if you are a fan.
    mcbucfanon April 05, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Why would you get it if you weren't a fan? Anyway, they have the meaning on their site if you need to know.
    mmcambellson March 06, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    ~yah this is one of the best songs of the album ( my opinoin ) ~and overall its one of Queensryche\'s best songs
    -ZERO-on May 08, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Yeah if you listen to the entire album the meaning of the song is obvious. Definetly one of my all time favorite songs. I really love the way Tate sings the line "I've always known that the mirror never lies" it's perfection!
    Muzzyon April 25, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Well, any avid fan of Queensryche will (as stated earlier) know what the "meaning" of the song. But, man!! Talk about a DEEP song. I have been a huge fan of queensryche, and after listening to this album, (and then seeing it live :D) this was my favorite song. The whole story hits home to me in the weird way because I had a close friend become involved in a bad group, and he got into drugs, and eventually killed some ppl. He'sdead too, and when I hear the lyrics durring this particular song I remember him and it chills me....
    //utt0on December 03, 2007   Link

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