Stranger In Moscow – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson
• Album: HIStory

Lyrics & Translation

Embark on an emotional journey with Michael Jackson's 'Stranger in Moscow,' a haunting ballad that beautifully conveys feelings of loneliness and introspection. Through its evocative lyrics and atmospheric production, this song offers a unique window into complex emotions, making it an excellent piece for language learners to explore nuanced expression and delve deeper into English vocabulary related to feelings and personal struggles.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
wandering /ˈwɒndərɪŋ/ B1	verb - walking or moving around in a leisurely way
insane /ɪnˈseɪn/ B2	adjective - mentally ill; extremely foolish or unreasonable
grace /ɡreɪs/ B1	noun - elegant or beautiful movement; a period of favor
shadow /ˈʃædoʊ/ A2	noun - a dark shape produced when an object blocks light
belittling /bɪˈlɪtəlɪŋ/ C1	verb - making someone or something seem unimportant
abandoned /əˈbændənd/ B2	adjective - left completely and permanently; deserted
fame /feɪm/ B1	noun - the state of being widely known and liked
Armageddon /ɑːrməˈdʒɛdən/ C2	noun - the final battle between good and evil
doggin' /ˈdɒɡɪn/ C1	verb - to follow someone closely and persistently
beggar /ˈbɛɡər/ A2	noun - a person who asks for money or food from strangers
drown /draʊn/ B1	verb - to die from being underwater too long
lonely /ˈlɒnli/ A2	adjective - sad because you have no friends or people to talk to
mercy /ˈmɜːrsi/ B1	noun - compassionate treatment; forgiveness
danger /ˈdeɪndʒər/ A2	noun - the possibility of something bad happening
livin' /ˈlɪvɪn/ B1	verb - to be alive; to experience life

Key Grammar Structures

• I was wandering in the rain

  ➔ Past Continuous Tense

  ➔ The Past Continuous describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Here, it shows the ongoing nature of his aimless walking – "**wandering**" – while it was raining.

• Swift and sudden fall from grace

  ➔ Noun Phrase with Adjectives

  ➔ This line uses strong adjectives – "**swift**" and "**sudden**" – to modify the noun "fall". The phrase 'from grace' is a common idiom meaning a loss of status or favor.

• Kremlin's shadow belittlin' me

  ➔ Possessive 's and Present Participle as Adjective

  ➔ "**Kremlin's**" shows possession. "**belittlin'**" is a shortened form of 'belittling', a present participle functioning as an adjective, describing the effect of the Kremlin's shadow.

• Take my name and just let me be

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ "**Take**" and "**let**" are verbs in the imperative mood, giving a direct command or request. The phrase expresses a desperate plea for anonymity and freedom.

• How does it feel? (How does it feel now?)

  ➔ Question Formation & Adverb of Time

  ➔ This is an interrogative sentence. The addition of "**now**" modifies the question, shifting the focus to the present feeling. It's a rhetorical question, seeking empathy rather than a literal answer.