FAWM: "Strangers"

Strangers

5 hours ago by @johnstaples

Skirmish: STRANGER (@corinnecurcio)

Liner Notes

#americana #country #folk #roots #skirmish

Lyrics

Strangers February 01, 2026 https://johnstaplesmusic.com/FAWM2026/JohnStaples-Strangers.mp3

I know you've suffered that's what people do when they spend their time with me I break 'em in two

and now we're strangers I am the rearranger a love that we once knew I'm broken too

I know you're tired that's what people say when they spend some time with me I push 'em away

and now we're strangers I am the rearranger a love that we once knew I'm broken too

we could have another day a brand new chance to take maybe you should stay I'll put it all away

but now we're strangers I am the rearranger a love that we once knew I am broke in two

Comments

@dudachris 1h

Oh man I could listen to more of this. A great response to the skirmish prompt. Love the sparkly sounding guitar picking; real easy listening 😀

@pippa 2h

Lovely. I love the simplicity of the song, and the clarity of the sadness. Clever change from "broken too" to "broke in two." Masterful, well done.

@smudge 3h

Great start first stanza really hits hard! Clever twist about being broken too. Really well told story. Love the guitar work so beautiful John. Well done! Cheers, Smudge

@corinnecurcio 3h

Great skirmishing John. So succinct and the words cut deep. The music fits perfectly

@gflatminor 4h

Great skirmish. I love the turn from "I break 'em in two" to "I'm broken too".

@coolparadisoMod 4h

Lovely gentle delivery, crikey this dude is very reflective!. A very fine song

@oneslowtyper 4h

Good to hear you, John! I could easily picture your style working well with any "stranger" related themes, and this ones worked out quite well. Cheers, John

@mattwdunn 4h

Well I wasn’t planning on crying today but then I put this song on. Twice. Beautifully written. The lyrics hit might from verse 1. Guitar playing is exceptional, vocals are stunning. A perfect song all around.

@musicsongwriter 4h

Very beautiful, meaningful and poignant song. Nostalgic and loving. Beautiful singing, playing and choice of harmonies.

@cindyrella 4h

This is exceptional John! I love every word and note!

@mikeskliar 4h

This is really impressive and first rate- really draws the listener in with that twist on the narrator blaming himself, etc... and of course the excellent and melodic guitar playing and vocal adds so much... this is one of my favorite things of yours that I've heard, actually! great job!

@cts 4h

You pulled a bit of a Roberta Flack moment on me with your song, sir. You struck a nerve or two; had me thinking about a few things going on with me right now. It's not a bad thing. I appreciate when songs move me in this way. It is a testament to the power, wonder and effectiveness of a song. Beautifully rendered, my man. Your gift is still....a gift; a timeless one it seems.

@damschen 4h

Oh, I love this juxtaposition of pull and push. The lyrics and the (key?) swap between verse and chorus melodically captures this so well. Love this!

@billwhite51 5h

it is slick how your open lines seem to be empathetic, but you turn it around in the third line and make yourself the villain, but in the end, it is a song of empathy. in such a situation, both people are victims. i like the simplicity here, nothing interferes with the truth you are unfolding. in that, the song reminds me of the succinct songs of john prine and warren zevon. excellent work.