Meaning of Strangers When We Meet by David Bowie

The David Bowie song titled 'Strangers When We Meet' is a poetic exploration of relationships and the complex emotions that come with them. The song delves into the idea that even those closest to us can sometimes feel like strangers, highlighting the fragility and transient nature of human connections.One standout lyric in the song is "All our friends, Now seem so thin and frail." This lyric speaks to the idea that as we grow older, our relationships change and evolve. Friends who were once close may now appear distant and insignificant, highlighting the fleeting nature of human connections. This theme taps into the concept of nostalgia and the bittersweet feeling of looking back on the past.Another intriguing lyric is "No peachy prayers, No trendy réchauffé, I'm with you, So I can't go on." This lyric suggests that relying on hollow prayers and superficial trends is not enough to sustain a relationship. The phrase "I'm with you, So I can't go on" implies a sense of being trapped or stagnant in a relationship, unable to move forward but also unable to let go. This theme explores the paradoxical and complex emotions that can arise when two people become strangers in a once-familiar relationship.The lyric "Blank screen TV, Preening ourselves in the snow, Forget my name, But I'm over you" introduces the theme of self-reflection and the process of letting go. The image of a blank screen TV signifies emptiness and the absence of connection. Preening ourselves in the snow suggests an excessive focus on appearances that ultimately leads to forgetting one's own identity. The line "But I'm over you" underscores the idea that moving on from a strained relationship can be liberating, allowing for personal growth and rediscovery.The chorus, "All my violence raining tears upon the sheets, I'm bewildered, for we're strangers when we meet" encapsulates the underlying theme of emotional turmoil and confusion. The juxtaposition of violence and tears symbolizes the internal struggle and conflicting emotions that come with realizing the disconnect in a relationship. The phrase "bewildered, for we're strangers when we meet" expresses the emotional disorientation one experiences when faced with the realization that a once-intimate relationship now feels distant and unfamiliar.The lyric "Steely resolve is falling from me, My poor soul, poor bruised passivity" explores the themes of vulnerability and resilience. The image of steely resolve crumbling suggests a breaking down of emotional barriers, allowing for a deeper understanding of one's own pain and vulnerability. The phrase "poor soul, poor bruised passivity" conveys a sense of wounded vulnerability, emphasizing the toll that strained relationships can take on one's emotional well-being.Finally, the repeated refrain of "Strangers when we meet" reinforces the overarching theme of the song. It serves as a reminder that relationships are not static; they constantly evolve and change, sometimes taking unexpected turns. The repetition of this line creates a haunting and introspective atmosphere, emphasizing the universality of this experience.In conclusion, 'Strangers When We Meet' artfully explores the complexities of relationships and the various emotions that accompany the gradual transformation of familiarity into strangeness. Through its poignant lyrics, the song delves into themes of nostalgia, self-reflection, confusion, vulnerability, and resilience. David Bowie's evocative imagery and introspective storytelling create a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with listeners, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences with the ever-shifting dynamics of human connections.