Strangers

In 'Strangers,' Then Comes Silence delves into the unsettling experience of feeling disconnected and lost in a world where anonymity reigns. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who has lost track of time, unable to distinguish between day and night. This disorientation is compounded by the fact that no one knows their face or name, emphasizing a profound sense of isolation and invisibility. The recurring motif of 'strangers' grabbing the protagonist's hand and snatching their mind suggests a loss of control and autonomy, as if they are being pulled into a void by unknown forces.

The imagery of 'coal colored hearts' fading to black further underscores the bleakness of the protagonist's emotional state. This metaphor suggests a loss of warmth and vitality, replaced by a cold, dark emptiness. The act of strangers waving goodbye symbolizes a final severance from any semblance of connection or light, leaving the protagonist in a state of perpetual darkness. The repetition of these themes throughout the song creates a haunting atmosphere, reflecting the band's gothic and post-punk influences.

The song also touches on the theme of unsettled hearts and the constant search for something lost. The line 'always coming back for what they once had' suggests a longing for a past connection or sense of self that has been irretrievably lost. This perpetual state of searching and never finding adds to the overall sense of despair and futility. Then Comes Silence masterfully uses these dark, evocative lyrics to explore themes of alienation, loss, and the haunting nature of human disconnection, making 'Strangers' a poignant reflection on the darker aspects of the human experience.