The Meaning Behind The Song: Stranger In Paradise by Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett’s musical career spanned over six decades, and during this time, he released countless hits that defined his legacy. One of these hit singles is “Stranger In Paradise,” a song that Tony Bennett first recorded in 1954.
“Stranger In Paradise” is a powerful ballad that speaks of the hope and the promise of finding true love. The lyrics paint a beautiful picture of a love-struck individual who is swept away by a world of infinite possibilities.
The song’s beautiful melody and sentimental lyrics provide listeners with a glimpse into the romantic musings of a hopeful heart. It’s no wonder why “Stranger In Paradise” has become such an iconic love song.
The Inspiration Behind “Stranger In Paradise”
The inspiration behind “Stranger In Paradise” began with the Russian composer, Alexander Borodin. Borodin was a noted chemist and musician, whose musical masterpieces have stood the test of time.
In the 19th century, Borodin composed a symphony called “Prince Igor,” which contained a beautiful and revered melody called “Polovtsian Dances.” The melody’s power and grace caught the attention of the Broadway composer, Robert Wright, who heard it on a record.
Wright, along with his partner, George Forrest, decided to incorporate the melody into their score for the Broadway musical, “Kismet.” The original lyrics for “Stranger In Paradise” were written by the great lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein II.
The song’s original title was “The Dance,” and it was meant to be sung by the show’s lead character, when he is left alone on stage to reflect on his journey. However, when Bennett heard the song, he knew that it had the potential to become something greater than just a score for a Broadway musical.
The Lyrics of “Stranger In Paradise”
“Stranger In Paradise” is a love song that contains heart-warming and hopeful lyrics. The song’s opening verse tells the story of a hopeless romantic who is finally finding love amidst the chaos of the world.
“Take my hand, I’m a stranger in paradise
All lost in a wonderland, a stranger in paradise
If I stand starry-eyed, that’s a danger in paradise
For mortals who stand beside an angel like you”
The lyrics of “Stranger In Paradise” go on to paint a beautiful picture of a love that is pure and immense. The song culminates with the following verse:
“You are heaven to me
Till my life is through
But paradise to me is wherever you are
If I lose you, I’m a stranger in paradise”
Themes In “Stranger In Paradise”
“Stranger In Paradise” is a ballad that is all about love, hope and finding one’s place in the world. The song’s themes are universal, and it is this universality that has allowed it to transcend time and generations.
One of the central themes in “Stranger In Paradise” is the idea of love as a source of hope. The song’s lyrics talk about the transformative power of love and how it can turn even the darkest moment into a thing of beauty.
Another central theme in the song is the idea of a journey to find a true home or place of belonging. “Stranger In Paradise” speaks to anyone who has ever felt lost or misplaced in the world and who has searched for something or someone to call their own.
Ultimately, the message behind “Stranger In Paradise” is that true love is worth waiting for, and that it can be found in unexpected places.
The Success of “Stranger In Paradise”
“Stranger In Paradise” was first recorded by Tony Bennett in 1954, and it quickly became a hit. The song hit number two on the US Billboard charts, and it spent more than four months on the charts.
“Stranger In Paradise” also helped cement Tony Bennett’s status as one of the great crooners of his generation. The song’s success opened the door for Bennett to collaborate with other great songwriters and musicians, and it helped shape his musical legacy.
But “Stranger In Paradise” wasn’t just a hit in the United States. The song’s popularity spread around the world, and it became a staple of romantic ballads everywhere.
Throughout the years, “Stranger In Paradise” has been covered by countless artists, including Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr, and even Meatloaf.
The Legacy of “Stranger In Paradise”
“Stranger In Paradise” is a testament to the enduring power of love. The song’s timeless lyrics and emotional melody have stood the test of time, and they continue to inspire people today.
Tony Bennett’s rendition of “Stranger In Paradise” is just one example of how a beautiful song can transcend generations and touch the hearts of people everywhere.
The legacy of “Stranger In Paradise” is a reminder that love is a universal emotion that we all share. And it serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who is searching for their true place in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who wrote “Stranger In Paradise”?
“Stranger In Paradise” was written by lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, with music adapted from Alexander Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances.”
2. Who originally performed “Stranger In Paradise”?
Tony Bennett was the first performer to record “Stranger In Paradise” in 1954.
3. Why is “Stranger In Paradise” considered a love song?
“Stranger In Paradise” is considered a love song because it speaks of the hope and promise of finding true love.
4. What is the central message behind “Stranger In Paradise”?
The central message behind “Stranger In Paradise” is that true love is worth waiting for, and that it can be found in unexpected places.
5. What are some of the themes in “Stranger In Paradise”?
Some of the themes in “Stranger In Paradise” include the transformative power of love, the search for a true home, and the idea of hope in the face of adversity.
6. What was the impact of “Stranger In Paradise” on Tony Bennett’s career?
“Stranger In Paradise” helped cement Tony Bennett’s status as one of the great crooners of his generation. The song’s success opened the door for Bennett to collaborate with other great songwriters and musicians, and it helped shape his musical legacy.
7. Why has “Stranger In Paradise” become such a timeless classic?
“Stranger In Paradise” has become a timeless classic because of its universal themes and emotional melody. The song’s message of hope and the transformative power of love speaks to people of all ages and backgrounds.
8. Who else has covered “Stranger In Paradise”?
“Stranger In Paradise” has been covered by many artists, including Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr, and Meatloaf.
9. What is the legacy of “Stranger In Paradise”?
The legacy of “Stranger In Paradise” is a reminder that love is a universal emotion that we all share. And it serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who is searching for their true place in the world.
10. When was “Stranger In Paradise” released?
“Stranger In Paradise” was first released in 1954.
11. What impact did “Stranger In Paradise” have on the music industry?
“Stranger In Paradise” helped pave the way for the romantic ballads that would become popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s. The song’s success also helped solidify Tony Bennett’s status as one of the great crooners of his generation.
12. How has “Stranger In Paradise” influenced other love songs?
“Stranger In Paradise” has influenced many love songs that have come after it, particularly in the realm of ballads. The song’s themes of hope and the transformative power of love continue to inspire songwriters and musicians today.
