Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Strange Days” by Mat McHugh
“Strange Days” by Mat McHugh is a melancholic folk rock track that explores a muddled frame of mind in the context of a struggling relationship.
The song’s simplicity lends itself to its highly emotive message. The gentle acoustic guitar softly strums along, carrying the narrative and leaving plenty of room for McHugh’s subtle vocal delivery to shine through. His story follows a troubled couple, seemingly trapped in a tumultuous and confusing relationship.
The chorus rings out with a plea, ”Can you show me how to be? / I don’t understand these strange days”. McHugh seems to be coming to terms with the disorienting sense of loving a partner but not being able to communicate effectively with them. He’s desperately trying to understand how to move forward in his relationship, but cannot as life and love remain a mystery.
The bridge of the song further expresses McHugh’s confusion, as he sings ”Loving you has really got me mystified / I try to talk but nothing comes out right”. The instrumental pauses, drawing attention to McHugh’s worries. His lyrics evoke feelings of intense frustration, as he finds it difficult to make sense of his love life.
The track ends with McHugh continuing to search for an answer, as he asks his partner ”How can I show you how I feel inside?” While he may ultimately not find the answers he’s looking for, “Strange Days” serves as a hopeful reminder that, even in moments of doubt and confusion, the ache of love remains.