In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
I'm glad you taught your kids my name
They scream it as they run away
They say it's getting worse out there
Let me welcome you to the climate of fear
I am the stranger
Your paranoia created me
A picture perfect scary freak
A violent drugged out two-bit thief
Just like they show them on TV
You lock your car door when I walk by
You won't even look me in the eye
I walk alone down the street at night
Triggering every sensor-security light
I am the stranger
You lock me out of your world
But you won't leave me alone
Concerned neighbors call the cops on me
For going into my own home
Look at you, you're scared of life
Just waiting to be killed, saying
"If I don't call the cops on you my neighbor will"
But your neighbor
Is the stranger
They scream it as they run away
They say it's getting worse out there
Let me welcome you to the climate of fear
I am the stranger
Your paranoia created me
A picture perfect scary freak
A violent drugged out two-bit thief
Just like they show them on TV
You lock your car door when I walk by
You won't even look me in the eye
I walk alone down the street at night
Triggering every sensor-security light
I am the stranger
You lock me out of your world
But you won't leave me alone
Concerned neighbors call the cops on me
For going into my own home
Look at you, you're scared of life
Just waiting to be killed, saying
"If I don't call the cops on you my neighbor will"
But your neighbor
Is the stranger
Lyrics submitted by iamtheone
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