Stranger

MOTHXR's song 'Stranger' delves into the complexities of feeling out of place in an unfamiliar environment. The opening lines, 'I'm not a stranger / It's just a strange land,' set the tone for the entire song, highlighting the dissonance between the individual's sense of self and the external world. This sense of alienation is further emphasized by the lyrics 'Danger here is so quiet / Water here is the fire,' suggesting a world where the usual rules don't apply, and everything feels inverted and unpredictable.

The recurring theme of fire and water serves as a powerful metaphor for the internal and external conflicts the protagonist faces. 'Stranger is the fire / Water in the night' juxtaposes elements that are typically opposites, symbolizing the chaotic and confusing nature of the protagonist's experiences. The lyrics 'It's in me, it's in you too / Only she could know me / But we haven't met before' hint at a deeper, almost mystical connection with another person, suggesting that the feeling of being a stranger is a shared human experience.

The song also touches on themes of identity and self-perception. Lines like 'She think she knows me / I don't give a fuck at all' reflect a defiance against being misunderstood or misjudged by others. The protagonist's willingness to 'tear it all down if that's what it takes' indicates a readiness to confront and dismantle the barriers that contribute to their sense of alienation. The closing lines, 'Face down, can't breathe / It's cold / Just don't need it,' evoke a sense of suffocation and coldness, perhaps symbolizing the emotional toll of navigating through a world that feels perpetually foreign.