Meaning of "Strange" by Built To Spill

The lyrics of "Strange" by Built To Spill are open to interpretation, but at its core, the song seems to reflect on the unpredictable and often confusing nature of life. The repetition of the phrase "This strange" highlights the speaker's sense of disorientation and their struggle to understand the world around them. They question the plan, change, atmosphere, and gravity, alluding to the many elements that contribute to the strangeness they perceive. The mention of being sick of it suggests a weariness with the constant surprises and challenges faced in life.

In questioning the notion of strangeness, the speaker seems to challenge the idea that things are inherently strange or abnormal. They ask, "what's so strange about that?" and "what isn't strange?" Perhaps they are suggesting that strangeness is a subjective concept, and what may seem strange to one person might be ordinary to another. By repeating the phrase "it's strange, but oh well," the speaker seems to resign themselves to the fact that life is full of strangeness and that they must accept it for what it is.

The lyrics also touch on communication and understanding. Lines such as "you're not listening or I'm not saying it right" and "this strange war of promises" suggest a breakdown in communication and the difficulty in truly expressing oneself. The mention of a truce and the truth implies a desire for resolution and clarity amidst the confusion.

Overall, the lyrics of "Strange" convey a sense of frustration, weariness, and acceptance in the face of life's unpredictability and the strangeness of the world.