Mistaken for Strangers

The National's song 'Mistaken for Strangers' delves into the themes of alienation and the disillusionment that often accompanies adulthood. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who feels disconnected from their own life and the people around them. The opening lines suggest a sense of obligation and conformity, where the protagonist does everything asked of them, yet remains emotionally distant. The imagery of being 'showered and blue-blazered' and 'filling yourself with quarters' evokes a sense of routine and superficiality, as if the protagonist is merely going through the motions of life without any deeper connection or fulfillment.

The recurring line 'You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends' underscores the theme of alienation. Despite being surrounded by familiar faces, the protagonist feels like a stranger, highlighting the emotional distance and lack of genuine connection. The 'silvery, silvery citibank lights' serve as a metaphor for the cold, impersonal nature of modern urban life. The mention of 'an angel watching over' and the subsequent rejection of this idea suggests a loss of innocence and a resignation to the 'unmagnificent lives of adults.' This phrase poignantly captures the mundane and often disappointing reality of adult life, contrasting sharply with the idealized visions of youth.

The song also touches on the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The lines 'Make up something to believe in your heart of hearts / So you have something to wear on your sleeve of sleeves' suggest a desperate need for something to hold onto, a belief or purpose that can provide some semblance of meaning. The surreal imagery of a 'feathery woman' carrying a 'blindfolded man through the trees' adds a layer of dreamlike mysticism, perhaps hinting at the elusive nature of true understanding and connection. Ultimately, 'Mistaken for Strangers' is a poignant exploration of the emotional and existential struggles that define the human experience, particularly in the context of modern adulthood.