Stranger To Myself

Alec Benjamin's 'Stranger To Myself' delves into the unsettling experience of feeling disconnected from one's own identity. The song opens with the protagonist noticing small, disconcerting changes in his environment, such as misplaced keys, which hint at a deeper internal turmoil. This sense of instability is further emphasized by his friends' concern and his own erratic behavior, suggesting that he is grappling with a profound sense of unease and confusion about who he is.

The chorus vividly portrays a moment of crisis where the protagonist, overwhelmed by paranoia, calls the police, convinced that an intruder is in his home. However, the revelation that he is the only one there, staring back at himself in the mirror, symbolizes a confrontation with his own fractured identity. This powerful imagery underscores the theme of self-alienation, as he realizes that he has become a stranger to himself, unable to recognize the person he has become.

Throughout the song, Benjamin uses metaphors of hiding and searching to illustrate the protagonist's internal struggle. The 'killer' he fears might be a metaphor for the parts of himself that he doesn't understand or accept. This haunting narrative is a poignant exploration of mental health, self-awareness, and the often terrifying journey of coming to terms with one's true self. Alec Benjamin's emotive storytelling and introspective lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of self-discovery and the complexities of personal identity.