The Strokes

Released: June 25, 2001

Songwriter: Julian Casablancas

[Verse 1]
They said you couldn't stay
You've seen it all before, I know
And sold you on their way
Oh, honey, that's okay

[Refrain]
No harm, he's armed
Setting off all your alarms
I can't, they're trapped
I realized that I can't get this stuff back

[Verse 2]
The store fronts rarely change
At least I'm on my own again
Instead of anywhere, oh with you
But to me it's all the same, that's right

[Chorus]
And I've lost my page again
I know this is surreal, but I'll try my luck with you
Oh, this life is on my side, oh, I am your one
Believe me, this is a chance, oh, oh

[Verse 3]
Let's see what is for sale
Sometimes I think I'm makin' it
Then I ain't too sure
It's never gonna be
It's sad, but I agree
The signal don't seem right
It lasts for just one night and then
I'm sorry that I said
That we were just good friends

[Refrain]
No harm, he's armed
Setting off all your alarms
Entranced, I can't ever be there in time
I'll think about that

[Chorus]
And I've lost my page again
I know this is surreal, but I'll try my luck with you
Oh, this life is on my side, oh, I am your one
Believe me, oh, this is a chance, oh, oh

The Strokes burst onto the scene at a time when rock fans were desperate for an alternative to the rap-rock that was dominating the airwaves. That the band lived up to expectations after being hailed ‘saviors of guitar rock’ solely based on the strength of a three song EP is a testament to the quality of their flawless debut, July 2001’s Is This It.

Ultimately, they are a band that truly relies on the strength of the entire lead singer Julian Casablancas, lead guitarist Nick Valensi, drummer Fabrizio Moretti, guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., and bassist Nikolai Fraiture. However, much of The Strokes' output has been influenced by the domineering vision of Casablancas' songwriting.

Before he took a small step back on their third album, January 2006’s First Impressions of Earth, and then isolated himself to record March 2011’s Angles, Casablancas was involved in almost every step of The Strokes' recording process. He wrote all of the lyrics and the music on their first two albums and was constantly involved in the mixing of the records.

more tracks from the album

Hard to Explain - Single

From the album

Hard to Explain - Single (2001)

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