About the song
Let’s journey into the heart of bluegrass music with The Stanley Brothers’ haunting ballad “Rank Stranger.” Written by Albert E. Brumley, this timeless song tells the story of a wanderer who feels out of place in a world he no longer recognizes. Released as part of their album “The Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys,” “Rank Stranger” showcases the brothers’ exquisite harmonies and heartfelt delivery.
Although “Rank Stranger” didn’t achieve significant chart success upon its release, it has since become a classic within the bluegrass genre, cherished by fans for its poignant lyrics and soul-stirring melody. The Stanley Brothers’ rendition of the song captures the essence of longing and nostalgia, evoking a sense of homesickness and yearning for a place beyond the earthly realm.
Decades after its release, “Rank Stranger” remains a beloved favorite among bluegrass enthusiasts, admired for its timeless beauty and emotional depth. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Stanley Brothers or discovering their music for the first time, “Rank Stranger” is sure to leave a lasting impression with its haunting melody and profound lyrics. So sit back, close your eyes, and let The Stanley Brothers’ mesmerizing performance of “Rank Stranger” transport you to a world of longing and introspection.
Video
Lyrics
I wandered again to my home in the mountains
Where in youth’s early dawn I was happy and free
I looked for my friends but I never could find them
I found they were all rank strangers to me
Everybody I met seemed to be a rank stranger
No mother or dad not a friend could I see
They knew not my name and I knew not their faces
I found they were all rank strangers to me.
Now they’ve all moved away said the voice of a stranger
To a beautiful home by a bright crystal sea
And some day I’ll meet them all up in Heaven
Where no one will be a rank stranger to me.