Song Review: Hard to Explain Song by The Strokes
Hard to Explain is a song by the American rock band The Strokes, released as their debut single in 2001 from their critically acclaimed album “Is This It.”
As one of the band’s most recognizable and beloved tracks, it showcases their signature garage rock sound and laid-back, yet infectious, energy.
The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that sets the tone for the entire track.
The Strokes’ raw and unpolished approach to the instrumentation adds to the song’s charm.
The guitar work is tight and rhythmic, with intricate yet straightforward melodies that perfectly complement Julian Casablancas’ distinctively cool and nonchalant vocals.
Hard to Explain is somewhat enigmatic, as the title suggests.
The words hint at a sense of confusion and uncertainty in a relationship, with lines like “Was an honest man / Asked me for the phone / Tried to take control” and “Can’t you see I’m trying? / I don’t even like it / I just lied to get to your apartment.”
The lyrics evoke a feeling of emotional complexity and the struggle to express oneself adequately.
The song’s production maintains a raw and gritty aesthetic, capturing the essence of the early 2000s indie rock scene.
The Strokes’ performance is tight and cohesive, highlighting their tight-knit musical chemistry.
The track’s infectious energy and catchy hooks make it instantly memorable, and it showcases the band’s ability to create captivating rock music with an undeniable swagger.
Hard to Explain played a significant role in establishing The Strokes as a prominent force in the indie rock revival of the early 2000s.
Its combination of infectious melodies, edgy guitar work, and Julian Casablancas’ distinct vocals make it a standout track in their discography.
The song’s impact on the alternative rock scene cannot be understated, as it helped pave the way for the band’s subsequent success and influenced countless other artists.
Hard to Explain is a fantastic song that encapsulates the essence of The Strokes’ sound.
Its blend of infectious hooks, raw energy, and enigmatic lyrics make it a standout track in their repertoire and a definitive anthem of the indie rock movement.
Hard To Explain Lyrics
Was an honest man
Asked me for the phone
Tried to take control
Oh, I don’t see it that way
I don’t see it that way
We shared some ideas
All obsessed with fame
Says we’re all the same
Oh, I don’t see it that way
I don’t see it that way
Raised in Carolina
I’m not like that
Tryin’ to remind her
When we go back
I missed the last bus, I’ll take the next train
I’ll try but you see, it’s hard to explain
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV, forget what I’m told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
The joke is on you, this place is a zoo
You’re right it’s true
He says he can’t decide
I shake my head to say
Everything’s just great
Oh, I just can’t remember
I just can’t remember
Raised in Carolina
She says, “I’m not like that”
Tryin’ to remind her
When we go back
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV, forget what I’m told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
Oh man, can’t you see I’m nervous? So please
Pretend to be nice, so I can be mean
I missed the last bus, we’ll take the next train
I’ll try but you see, it’s hard to explain
Watch Hard to Explain Song by The Strokes
