Stranger in the House
George Jones, Elvis Costello
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This never was one of the great romances But I thought you`d always have those young girl`s eyes But now they look in tired and bitter glances At the ghost of a man who walks `round in my disguise I get the feeling that I don`t belong here But there`s no welcome in the window anyway And I look down for a number on my key chain `Cause it feels more like a hotel everyday There`s a stranger in the house; nobody`s seen his face But everybody says he`s taken my place There`s a stranger in the house no one will ever see But everybody says he looks like me And now you say you've got no expectations But I know you also miss those carefree days And for all the angry words that passed between us You still don`t understand me when I say There`s a stranger in the house; nobody`s seen his face But everybody says he`s taken my place There`s a stranger in the house no one will ever see But everybody says he looks like me
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Collaboration Details"Stranger in the House" is a notable collaboration between Elvis Costello and George Jones. They first recorded the song together in 1979.
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Genre CombinationThe song is an intriguing blend of country and punk rock. It beautifully combines George Jones's traditional country music style with Elvis Costello's punk/New wave sound.
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Composition & LyricsElvis Costello originally wrote the song for George Jones. Still, Jones initially declined to record it as he found the lyrics of the song complex and different than the traditional country songs he was known for.
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Broadcasting Issues"Stranger in the House" never officially aired on the radio. It was featured as a bonus track on Elvis Costello's 1978 album "This Year's Model".
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Unique VideoThe music video of "Stranger in the House" involves Elvis Costello and his band (The Attractions) performing in a bar, with George Jones appearing on a television screen. This unique content is due to Jones not being able to leave the U.S. to film the footage.
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Later RecognitionDespite its unconventional style and limited initial exposure, the song later gained recognition for its innovative blending of country and punk genres, and for the strong performances by both Costello and Jones.
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Live PerformancesCostello often included "Stranger in the House" in his live performances and it became one of his signature songs.
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Cover VersionsOver the years, the song has been covered by several other artists, attesting to its lasting impact.
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Inclusion in Compilation AlbumThe duet version by Costello and Jones was included in an album titled "Out of Our Idiot" in 1987.
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Legacy of the SongDespite not being a hit during the time of its release, the song has been celebrated by critics as a unique piece of cross-genre experimentation.
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Citation
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