☝️ Key Points
- The 'perfect stranger' probably represents the singer's dark side, which is always present even if he tries to ignore or hide it
- The 'favourite stranger' in the mirror points to the singer's self-doubt and internal conflicts
- The singer probably feels misunderstood when his 'perfect stranger' drops his name
- The 'favourite stranger' leaves 'crimes' and 'blood', which may indicate a sense of responsibility on the singer's part for his mistakes
- The song 'My Favourite Stranger' is a confrontation of the singer with his own identity and self-image
Interpretation
The song 'My Favourite Stranger' by
Depeche Mode seems to be a reflection on the dark side of the singer's self. The lyrics mention a 'perfect stranger' who constantly follows the singer and steals his shadow. This could be a metaphor for the singer's dark side that is always with him, even when he tries to ignore or hide it. The 'favourite stranger' in the mirror could be an allusion to his own reflection, which puts bitter and broken words in the singer's mouth. This suggests that the singer is struggling with self-doubt and internal conflicts. The 'perfect stranger' drops his name in conversations, which could indicate that the singer feels that his true self is not recognized or understood in the outside world. The 'favourite stranger' stands where the singer stands and leaves 'crimes' in his wake and 'blood' on his hands, suggesting that the singer feels responsible for his mistakes and transgressions. Overall, the song 'My Favourite Stranger' seems to be a deep exploration of the singer's identity and self-image.