Lyric discussion by Singlefile 

Cover art for Stranger Than Kindness lyrics by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Am I the only one that thinks this song is blatantly about prostitution? Motel rooms, the act of sex without passion, "You hold me so carelessly close" meaning the indifferent and faux affection. "even a fool can come" anyone can get it if they want, there is no sense of accomplishment in the act, only a sense of shame. Its stranger than sex out of mutual desire. Its stranger than kindness. The act is vacant, there is no home there is no bread, there is no love. Just the act. He is unable to find sex in any other way than this so he is a stranger to kindness.

My Interpretation