Meaning of "Stranger" by Counterparts

The lyrics of "Stranger" delve into the feeling of being disconnected from oneself and others. The narrator feels haunted by the ghost of their past, as they are consumed by the loneliness that surrounds the place they used to call home. They express a sense of being used until there is nothing left, and their actions being justified, perhaps out of a need for validation. The emptiness left behind by the person they loved is seen as a curse upon their veins, which were once filled with the presence and impact of that person.

The narrator then reflects on their own emotional paralysis, admitting that they have lost the ability to feel genuine affection. They reveal that they have abandoned the sense of common decency that binds humanity together and have given everything they had, only to be left exhausted by the world. This exhaustion leads them to yearn for something that can change their mind, even if it is just to feel anything at all. They see themselves as worthless and insignificant, but acknowledge that they still serve a purpose in leeching off the light of others.

The desire for rest and respite is then expressed, as the narrator longs to be laid to rest in a glass casket. They want to be remembered with a smile on their face, adorned with their own failures. This can be seen as a longing for acceptance, even in their imperfections, and a desire for their loved ones to acknowledge their struggles and count them as they stand above their bones.

The narrator admits to their shortcomings, wishing to be a better person and recognizing their cowardice that is hidden behind a facade of courage. They acknowledge that simply admitting these flaws will not save them. They yearn to be freed from their tired mind, to learn the difference between a single tear and the overwhelming emotions that feel like an entire ocean. They see themselves as weak and weary, burdened by their predatory nature.

At the same time, there is a desperate need for abandonment in their greatest time of need, suggesting a desire for release from their own thoughts and responsibilities. They express a willingness to carry on without ever truly facing their reflection, finding solace in the broken glass. However, even when they try to avoid their true self, a glimpse in the shards of glass serves as a reminder of their own identity.

The lyrics conclude with the acknowledgement of being a stranger in the eyes of those they love. There is a sense of disgust and a need for self-protection as they try to hide their true self from others. They are aware of their own deception and the impact it has on their relationships, leading them to feel isolated and disconnected.