The Stranger

by Billy Joel
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Lyrics

Well, we all have a face that was we (Em7)hide a way for ev er, and I we (C)take them out to and show our selves that I when (D)ev ’ry one re has gone.

Some are (Em7)sat in, her some are a rea steel, son she some are fused (Em7)silk and some are ven an lea ther.

They’re the fac (D)then I es of the stran ger, but we love to try them (Em7)on.

Well, we all fall in love, but we (Am)dis re gard the dan ger; though we (Am)share so man y sec crets, there are (D)some we nev er tell.

Why were you so sur prised that you (Am)nev er saw the stran ger?

Did you (Am)ev er let your (D)lov er see the stran ger in your (Em7)self?

Don’t be a fraid to try a gain.

(Dmaj7)Ev ’ry one goes (Gmaj7)south

(Gm)ev ’ry now and (D)then.

(Am7)Ooh, hoo.

You’ve done it; (Gm)why can’t some one else?

(D)You should know by (Bm)now;

(Bb)you’ve been there your (A6)self.

Once I used to be lieve I was we (Em7)such a great ro man cer, then I we (C)came home out to a wo man selves that I when (D)could not one re cog nize.

When I (Em7)pressed in, her for are a rea steel, son she re are fused (Em7)silk and some are ven an lea swer.

It was fac (D)then I es felt the stran ger kick me right be tween the (Em7)eyes.

Well, we all fall in love, but we (Am)dis re gard the dan ger; though we (Am)share so man y sec crets, there are (D)some we nev er tell.

Why were you so sur prised that you (Am)nev er saw the stran ger?

Did you (Am)ev er let your (D)lov er see the stran ger in your (Em7)self?

Don’t be a fraid to try a gain.

(Dmaj7)Ev ’ry one goes (Gmaj7)south

(Gm)ev ’ry now and (D)then.

(Am7)Ooh, hoo.

You’ve done it; (Gm)why can’t some one else?

(D)You should know by (Bm)now;

(Bb)you’ve been there your (A6)self.

Once I used (A6)self.

You may (Em7)nev er un der stand how the (Am)stran ger is in (Em7)spired, but he (Am)is n’t al ways (C)e vil and he is not al ways wrong.

Though you (Em7)drown in good in ten tions, you will (Am)nev er quench the fire.

Don’t give in to your de sire when the stran ger comes a long.

The Stranger — Simple Sheet Music

8 people have learned this song

"The Stranger" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of E, 76 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “The Stranger”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "The Stranger"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "The Stranger" by Billy Joel played in?
The Stranger is arranged in the key of E on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "The Stranger"?
The arrangement plays at 76 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "The Stranger" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "The Stranger"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "The Stranger"?
"The Stranger" was originally performed by Billy Joel. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "The Stranger"?
This arrangement uses 26 chords: A, A6, Am, Am7, B, B7, Bbaug, Bm, +18 more.
What other songs by Billy Joel can I play here?
Try "SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT", "EVERYBODY HAS A DREAM", "CAPTAIN JACK". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "The Stranger". Key of E, 76 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.