Smiling Stranger

Album: One World (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Uncut magazine asked Martyn if this song was based on an actual person. He replied: "Oh yes, definitely. I used to hang out with people of dubious legality. None of them nasty, but you know."

    "Smiling Stranger was just a piece of advice to the public," he added laughing. "I've always distrusted a smiling stranger, I always have regardless of color, race or creed. I spent a long time being fascinated by gangsters and low lives just interested, what makes them tick and how they organize their lives, and there are some great things about them I don't mind villains at all, to be honest." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    DeeTheWriter - Saint Petersburg, Russia Federation

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Wolfgang Van Halen

Wolfgang Van HalenSongwriter Interviews

Wolfgang Van Halen breaks down the songs on his debut album, Mammoth WVH, and names the definitive Van Halen songs from the Sammy and Dave eras.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal Tap

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.