Eyes of a Stranger

Queensrÿche

About Eyes of a Stranger

"Eyes of a Stranger" is a song by progressive metal band Queensrÿche appearing on their 1988 album Operation: Mindcrime. It is the last song on Operation Mindcrime, summarizing the story in the album. It has also been featured on two of their compilations, Greatest Hits and Sign of the Times: The Best of Queensrÿche. Known as a fan favorite, the group has played the song often live, doing so over a thousand times as of April 2016, and the track is the band's number one most played song in its setlist history. It was recorded in the key of E minor, with a short interlude in F# minor near the beginning. 


Year:
1988
6:39
763 
#1

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Dr. David, telephone please. Dr. David
Dr. Blair, Dr. Blair, Dr. J. Hamilton, Dr. J Hamilton

All alone now
Except for the memories
Of what we had and what we knew
Every time I try to leave it behind me
I see something that reminds me of you
Every night the dreams return to haunt me
Your rosary wrapped around your throat
I lie awake and sweat, afraid to fall asleep
I see your face looking back at me, looking back at me

And I raise my head and stare
Into the eyes of a stranger
I've always known that the mirror never lies
People always turn away
From the eyes of a stranger
Afraid to know what
Lies behind the stare

Is this all that's left
Of my life before me
Straight jacket memories, sedative highs
No happy ending like they've always promised
There's got to be something left for me
And I raise my head and stare
Into the eyes of a stranger
I've always known that the mirror never lies
People always turn away
From the eyes of a stranger
Afraid to know what
Lies behind the stare (Lies behind my stare)

How many times must I live this tragedy
How many more lies will they tell me
All I want is the same as everyone
Why am I here, and for how long

And I raise my head and stare
Into the eyes of a stranger
I've always known that the mirror never lies
People always turn away
From the eyes of a stranger
Afraid to know what
Lies behind the stare

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Queensrÿche

Queensrÿche ( /ˈkwiːnzraɪk/) is an American progressive heavy metal band formed in 1981 in Bellevue, Washington. The band has released eleven studio albums and several EPs and DVDs and continues to tour and record. The original lineup consisted of vocalist Geoff Tate, guitarist Chris DeGarmo, guitarist Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield. Queensrÿche has been successful in the progressive scene, having sold over 20 million albums worldwide including over 6 million albums in the United States. The band received worldwide acclaim after the release of their 1988 album Operation: Mindcrime, which is often considered one of the greatest "concept albums" of all time. Their follow-up release, Empire was also very successful. more »

5 fans

Written by: CHRIS DEGARMO, GEOFF TATE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Background
"Eyes of a Stranger" is a song by the American progressive metal band Queensrÿche. It was published as a track from the band's third studio album, "Operation: Mindcrime," released on May 3rd, 1988.
Chart Success
Despite its album not being an immediate commercial success, "Eyes of a Stranger" reached No. 35 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, helping to build the band's popularity.
Concept Album
The "Operation: Mindcrime" album is a concept album and a rock opera, with the song ‘Eyes of a Stranger’ serving as the climax and finale of the story, leaving listeners with a powerful, haunting impression.
Subject Matter
"Eyes of a Stranger" follows the story of the album’s main character, Nikki, as he navigates a dystopian society while facing his own psychological challenges. The lyrics reflect on themes of betrayal, disillusionment, and loss of identity.
Live Performances
"Eyes of a Stranger" is one of Queensrÿche's most popular songs to perform live. Queensrÿche often concludes their concerts with this powerful track.
Music Video
The music video for "Eyes of a Stranger" is notable for its dark, evocative imagery and storyline, adding another layer of narrative to the song’s lyrics.
Connection to Other Songs
"Eyes of a Stranger" uses musical and lyrical references from earlier songs on the album, providing a sense of continuity and wrapping up the album's narrative.
Musical Style
This song, like the majority of Queensrÿche's output during this period, features a distinctive progressive metal sound. It combines heavy guitar riffs, intricate drum patterns, and lead singer Geoff Tate's powerful vocal range.
Legacy
"Eyes of a Stranger" is frequently cited as a standout track from "Operation: Mindcrime," which is considered one of the best concept albums in rock history.
Influence
The dystopian themes and progressive metal style of "Eyes of a Stranger" and the full "Operation: Mindcrime" album have left a lasting impact on the heavy metal genre, influencing countless bands and artists over the years.

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