The song "I Always Lie to Strangers" by John Mellencamp tells the story of a person who admits to always being dishonest with both strangers and people they may know. The narrator expresses that they will never receive any recognition or celebration for their actions, and they have no intention of changing their behavior. The lyrics suggest that the narrator has never chosen the morally right path in life, always opting for the easier, more deceitful route. They acknowledge that living under the influence of societal norms is a foolish and futile pursuit. The narrator is accustomed to being held responsible for their actions and feels no need to take the high road in any situation. They openly admit to lying to strangers, emphasizing that it is a defining characteristic of theirs. The narrator describes themselves as a person of low social standing, recognizing that the world is populated by even more dishonest individuals in positions of power. They assert their lack of trust in others, while also admitting that others should not trust them either. The repetition of "I always lie to strangers" reinforces their consistent deceitful behavior. Overall, the song portrays a cynical and disillusioned perspective on life, highlighting the narrator's lack of faith in humanity and their willingness to deceive others. It serves as a reflection on the narrator's personal experiences and their view of the world around them.
