Meaning of "Strangers" by Passenger

"Strangers" delves into the theme of emotional detachment and the longing for genuine connection and love. It begins by highlighting the contradiction of feeling alone even when surrounded by friends, forcing the speaker to wear a façade of happiness. Seeking solace in the embrace of strangers, they imagine the love they truly desire but never find. The line "Though you're in a house, doesn't mean it's a home" encapsulates the idea that a physical structure does not automatically create a nurturing and loving environment. Similarly, being in a crowd does not alleviate the sense of isolation. The contrasting imagery of being wrapped in wool but still feeling freezing emphasizes the emptiness and lack of emotional warmth. The speaker recognizes that their attempts to build connections with strangers only result in false starts and superficial encounters. Despite allowing these strangers into their lives, it does not equate to making love or experiencing genuine intimacy. The repetition of the phrase "You're not in love" reinforces the message that the personal relationships the speaker engages in lack depth and genuine emotion. The final verses shift the focus to offering a contrasting perspective of home and love. The speaker assures someone, perhaps a love interest, that their home will always be a safe place and their heart will belong only to them. In this context, home is portrayed as a sanctuary of love and acceptance, a stark contrast to the loneliness and detachment portrayed in the earlier verses.