History of the song “Stranger in the Crowd” by Elvis Presley

“Stranger in the Crowd” is a song written by Winfield Scott for Elvis Presley’s 1970 album That’s the Way It Is. Scott had previously co-written with Otis Blackwell a number of other songs for Elvis, including the hits “Return to Sender” and others.

The song is a slow, bluesy ballad about a man who feels isolated and alone, even when surrounded by people. He sings about how he feels like a “stranger in the crowd,” and how he longs to find someone who truly understands him.

The song was recorded on July 8, 1970, at American Recording Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The session was produced by Felton Jarvis, and featured Elvis’s backing band, the TCB Band. The song was released as a single in November 1970, and reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Stranger in the Crowd” has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and the Box Tops. It is considered to be one of Elvis’s most underrated songs, and is often praised for its emotional power and Elvis’s heartfelt vocals.

Introduction to the song “Stranger in the Crowd” by Elvis Presley

“Stranger in the Crowd” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the feeling of loneliness and isolation, even when surrounded by people. The song is sung from the perspective of a man who feels like he doesn’t belong anywhere, and who longs to find someone who truly understands him.

The song begins with a slow, bluesy guitar riff, setting the tone for the emotional journey that is to come. Elvis’s vocals are understated and heartbreakingly vulnerable, as he sings about his feelings of alienation and longing.

The lyrics of the song are simple but effective, capturing the essence of what it means to feel like a stranger in the crowd. Elvis sings about how he feels like he’s “walking on a lonely street,” and how he’s “searching for a place to call home.” He also sings about how he longs to find someone who will “take my hand and lead me on.”

The song’s climax comes with the chorus, in which Elvis repeats the line “I’m a stranger in the crowd.” This line perfectly encapsulates the feeling of loneliness and isolation that the song is about.

“Stranger in the Crowd” is a powerful and moving song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong. It is a song about the longing for connection and understanding, and the hope of finding someone who will see us for who we truly are.

Personal interpretation of the song

To me, “Stranger in the Crowd” is a song about the human condition. It is a song about the feeling of isolation and loneliness that we all experience at some point in our lives. It is also a song about the hope of finding connection and understanding.

I think Elvis Presley’s vocals are what really make this song so special. He sings with such emotion and vulnerability that it is impossible not to be moved. I also think the song’s lyrics are very relatable. We all know what it feels like to feel like we don’t belong, and we all long to find someone who will truly see us for who we are.

I think “Stranger in the Crowd” is a timeless song that will continue to resonate with people for generations to come. It is a song that reminds us that we are all connected, and that we are not alone in our struggles.

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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