Strange Way

Album: Elan (1978)
Charted: 11
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Songfacts®:

  • Firefall's previous hits, "You Are the Woman" and "Just Remember I Love You," are about finding that special someone and loving that person unconditionally. In "Strange Way," it has turned sour, and the guy feels like he's being used. The woman sounds like she's wallowing in self-pity, and he's telling her that she's bringing him down and doesn't want to deal with it anymore. It's a far cry from "just remember I love you and it will be alright."
  • "Strange Way" was written by Firefall singer/guitarist Rick Roberts, who along with fellow singer/guitarist Larry Burnett, wrote most of their songs. Roberts wrote most of their hits, which was his M.O. - he crafted them to be radio friendly. Burnett's songs were darker with more rock leanings.
  • This was the first track and the big hit from Firefall's third album, Elan. The group formed in Boulder, Colorado but came from all over the country (their bass player, Mark Andes, was a member of Spirit). In the mid-'70s, there was a singer-songwriter exodus from Los Angeles to Boulder, and the Laurel Canyon sound seeped into songs like this one.
  • The flute, played by David Muse, is a big part of this song. In concert, he would stretch out his solo, doing a long improvisation. Live versions could run about 10 minutes.

    Muse wasn't an original member of the band, but joined them in the studio on their first album when they needed flute, saxophone, and other instruments he played to complete the songs, notably the flute-heavy "You Are the Woman." Muse ended up becoming a full-fledged band member.

Comments: 13

  • Lori from BostonYou know this could be about a woman who suffers from bi-polar illness. (Which wasn't really diagnosed back in the day when this song came out). They didn't have a name for it then. I was in a relationship with a bi-polar man for 12 years. He was a wonderful man when in balance, but when he skidded into the darkness, it could be very challenging to continue to love him. Sometimes he pulled me down like an anchor. I am typically an upbeat, positive person... his constant mood-swings, depression and sadness could be draining. I will forever remain friends with him, but we finally ended the relationship several months ago. Sometimes you need to remember that you cannot let someone else's illness become your own. Being a shoulder to cry on all the time can make you loose yourself in the process.
    I think the singer was recognizing that this repeat performance over and over from his lover was never going to resolve, she was in too much "darkness"... it was time for him to let go of her and move on to a healthier and happier relationship. He moved towards the light.
  • Aaron from OhioI've been married to a woman for 30 years. For more than half that time, she has wallowed in depression that she refuses to address. She has alienated friends and is unable to hold down a job. I've remained with her through all this, but I question how much longer I can cope. People who dismiss the POV of the singer as "selfish" should take a step back, and rather than judge and assume he's being selfish, wonder what the rest of the store is.
  • Kevin from IdahoI agree with Paul from Croydon on the first point, but arrive at a very different place. "If you just want to cry to somebody, don't cry to me..." says it ALL. It says, it's great to be with you when everyone's happy, but if you are hurting and need support, I'm done with you. To the singer, love isn't a decision of self-sacrifice for the good of the other, it's self-gratification. I'll sleep with you, but I won't be there for you when you need me.
  • Scott from Asheville, NcI think it was about the writer breaking up with his previous band.
    That's what I heard back when the song came out.
    I still listen to it as a sad love song.
  • Dan from Florence, ScBION This is my favorite Firefall song. It is hauntingly beautiful, but sad too. It serves to me as a reminder not to be in a constant state of venting. Do it once perhaps twice, but after that be silent, or do some major reflection on your life, and take steps to go a different route. A person can be a good confidant, but don't abuse him/her.
  • Jim from St. LouisThe song is about a woman who has cheated on her husband or boyfriend and after confessing to the affair, maintains she still loves him. She is crying, but the boyfriend or husband has no pity for her remorse.
  • Mandy from VirginiaThis song is so heartbreaking. A man in love with a married (or otherwise attached) woman. He dreams about her and longs for her. She keeps telling him how unhappy she is in her other relationship but he is tired of it because he believes he can make her happy and she won’t stay with him.
  • Debi from OklahomaWhen I listen it makes me think she says I love you and is trying to go through the motions but she is sad and looking for a way out....her darkness just keeps bringing him down. He’s like girl go...
  • Josh from New Orleans This song is about a man who loves a woman who has commitments elsewhere. The nights are always amazing but in the mornings she wakes up wracked with guilt. They clearly love each other in some broken way or otherwise they’d have been able to call off the affair years ago. But neither one of them is mentally sound enough to make a real go of it so they date other people out there in the real world and meet each other every few months or so for these illicit rendezvous’. Every time he says clearly you’re not happy just stay this time and she says I love you but I have to go and the man says that’s a strange way to tell me you love me and slowly over time he feels less and less and less and less but it’s too late but will always happen again
  • Brian from EarthJay, how you came to a conclusion like that is mind boggling.
  • Jay from East CoastSeems like she wants to end relationship but feels sorry and sad to do it.
  • Rose Ann from OhioI love Firefall, but what I get from this song is a selfish and cold-hearted response to a girlfriend who has trouble in her life and needs love and support.
  • Paul from Croydon, Pa"If you just want to cry to somebody, don't cry to me..." says it ALL. What a great musical way to tell someone "get a life and move on with it". I've always loved this tune from Firefall. Clearly one of thier better musically - a very powerful song about dealing with negative human emotions, clearing the air and starting anew. Very well done!! Paul W
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