Stranger In The Crowd – Elvis Presley

Introoduction

Stranger in the Crowd: A Look into the Song’s History

Released in 1970, “Stranger in the Crowd” isn’t just another Elvis Presley song. It’s a poignant reflection on loneliness and isolation amidst the adoration and fame that defined his life. Written by Winfield Scott, the song captures the paradox of celebrity, where the one person seen by millions feels profoundly alone.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Elvis, surrounded by adoring fans yet yearning for genuine connection. Lines like “I stand alone in the spotlight’s glare, a stranger in the crowd” and “They only see what they want to see, the image I portray” reveal a vulnerability beneath the King of Rock and Roll’s public persona.

“Stranger in the Crowd” wasn’t just a song; it became a cornerstone of Elvis’ 1970 documentary, “That’s the Way It Is.” Filmed during his Las Vegas residency, the documentary offered a rare glimpse behind the curtain, portraying Elvis not just as a performer but as a human being with complex emotions. The song’s inclusion in the film cemented its place as a powerful and poignant commentary on the price of fame.

Beyond its biographical significance, “Stranger in the Crowd” resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, regardless of their celebrity status. The song’s message of longing for connection and understanding speaks to the human experience in a way that transcends time and circumstance. This enduring quality makes “Stranger in the Crowd” a timeless classic, reminding us that even the most visible figures can feel unseen and alone.

Video

Lyrics

I’ve been standing on a corner
Since a quarter after seven
I was down to my last cigarette
And the clock in the window
At a quarter to eleven

I was watching all the people
Passing by me going places
Just the loneliest guy in the town
Looking for a friendly smile
But all I see were faces

And then, just like the taste of milk and honey
I found the stranger I’ve been looking for
Like a wave, my cup of love was overflowing
I knew the stranger in the crowd
And I would be stranger no more

The love that comes on the corner
At a quarter to eleven
I thought you were to good to be true
All my life I had believed
That angels only live in heaven
But now, we share the taste of milk and honey
Each day is sweeter than the day before

My cup runned overflowing
because the stranger in the crowd
And I would be stranger no more

Deep inside, my cup of love was overflowing
I found the stranger I’ve been looking for
Like a wave, my cup of love was overflowing
I knew the stranger in the crowd
And I would be stranger no more