Stranger In A Strange Land
by U2

Album: October (1981)
Play Video
  • Stranger
    Stranger in a strange land
    He looked at me like I
    Was the one who should run
    We asked him to smile for a photograph
    Waited a while to see if we could
    Make him laugh

    A soldier asked for a cigarette
    His smiling face I can't forget
    He looked like you across the street
    But that's a long way here

    And I wish you were here
    And I wish you were here

    Stranger
    A stranger in a strange land
    He look at me like I
    Was the one who should run
    I watched as he watched us
    Get back on the bus
    I watched the way it was
    The way it was when he was with us

    And I really don't mind
    Sleeping on the floor
    But I couldn't sleep after what I saw
    I wrote this letter to tell you
    The way I feel

    I wish you were here
    I wish you were here
    To see what I could see
    To hear
    And I wish you were here Writer/s: Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul Hewson
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 4

  • AnonymousHard to miss is that this is also a scriptural reference from the book of Exodus in the Bible. U2’s October album was recorded and written at a time when the band was very involved in their Christian faiths and there are a variety of biblical references throughout the album.
  • Al from Niagara Falls, NyThe Man Who Fell to Earth was published by Walter Tevis in 1963. You're thinking of Heinlein's A Stranger in a Strange land.
  • Nonoy Bonzon from Manila, Philippinesyes Leon Russell wrote a great song with the same title. this version was also in a compilation album that Mel Gibson produced after his Passion of the Christ movie. "The Passion of the Christ - songs inspired by"

    it couldn't have been more fitting.
  • Wayne from Crockett, TxLeon Russell and the Shelter People also have a song by the same name, different lyrics. It's a great song. Check it out.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.