The Strokes

Released: June 25, 2001

Songwriter: Julian Casablancas

Producer: Gordon Raphael

[Verse 1]
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

[Pre-Chorus]
Raised in Carolina
I'm not like that
Trying to remind her
When we go back

[Chorus 1]
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'm watching 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

[Verse 2]
He said 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

[Pre-Chorus]
Raised in Carolina
She says, "I'm not like that"
Trying to remind her
When we go back

[Chorus 2]
I say the right thing but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I'm watching 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

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 albums

Hard to Explain - Single (2001)
Is This It (2001)

The Strokes popular songs

Hard to ExplainThe Strokes

The Strokes

Hard to Explain - Single