Meaning of "Love Is a Stranger" by Eurythmics

The lyrics of "Love Is a Stranger" delve into the tumultuous and addictive nature of love. Love is depicted as a stranger, an enigmatic force that enters one's life unexpectedly, luring them in like a temptation. It has the power to drive a person far away from their reality and the rationality that normally guides them. The repetition of the phrase "And I want you" emphasizes the obsessive and irresistible nature of love.

The song highlights the danger of love, portraying it as a drug that one craves ceaselessly. Love, in this context, is not portrayed as a positive or nurturing force, but rather as something that can be savage, cruel, and destructive. It is likened to a flood, overpowering and seemingly unstoppable once it enters one's life. The comparison to religion suggests the intense devotion and adoration that love can bring, but also the potential for fanaticism and a loss of self.

Throughout the lyrics, love is described as glamorous and sleek, but also jealous, false, and unkind. It is both hard and restrained, yet it can also be teasing and tempting. This dichotomy highlights the complex and contradictory nature of love. It can be alluring and captivating, but also deceptive and untrustworthy. The phrase "It touches and it teases as you stumble in the debris" further suggests that love can leave a person feeling lost and damaged.

Overall, "Love Is a Stranger" presents love as a force that engulfs and consumes, leaving individuals entranced and longing for more despite its destructive qualities. It explores the dark side of love, the obsession and addiction that can come with it. Whether interpreted as a reflection on a specific romantic relationship or a broader commentary on love as a universal experience, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the alluring yet dangerous nature of love.