Drawing us in with a timeless guitar soundscape with intricate arpeggios, Karen Harding opens Stranger On A Pedestal with metaphorical prose and a flawless vocal as she sings, “I see you from a distance, you shine like a star in the sky, I wonder who you are and what it takes to be that high, I thought you were perfection, I saw a dream come true, but now you’re standing in my view…”
The opus expands with the self-realized nature that we have come to love from Karen Harding, as she comes to terms with understanding her own power, and how we can sometimes lose ourselves in idol worship. Speaking on the message of the release, the Australian songstress confesses, “Stranger On A Pedestal speaks to the point when the person you have admired from a distance becomes an actual, flawed human being.”
Karen’s mesmerizing performance blend with a simple but evocative acoustic guitar melody, vividly conveying the bittersweet understanding that even our idols are simply human. The self-produced piece, enhanced by Gabb Matos‘ exceptional guitar work, provides the perfect backdrop for Karen’s reflective and poignant lyrics.
Idol worship often elevates people to a status of near-perfection in our eyes. However, it is essential to recognize that even these idols, despite their achievements, are simply human. They face struggles, insecurities, and flaws just like anyone else. Understanding this reality is crucial for our own self-love and acceptance.
By acknowledging that our idols are not infallible, Karen’s message liberates us from unrealistic perspectives and comparisons. The song invites us to appreciate our own unique qualities, fostering a more compassionate and authentic relationship with ourselves.
Karen adds, “I wanted to get across that lightbulb moment when you finally see somebody for who they are, outside of the pedestal you’ve given them. It’s all about realising the beauty and vulnerability in our shared human experience.”
We love the depth of the message and its execution, and have added Stranger On A Pedestal to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Karen Harding‘s exquisite wider discography, including Invisible Stranger, 6 Feet Off The Floor, and Imaginary Boyfriend.