The stranger comes to you at night.
He walks along without a word.
And if you don’t say anything,
He leaves like nothing there occurred.
But if you say hello to him
Or mention it’s a lovely night,
Then never will he leave your side
Until you see the morning light.
And if you ask him for his name,
Then he’ll admit he has a few.
And if you ask him just for one,
Then he’ll explain it’s not for you.
But if he asks your name of you,
Then don’t you dare give it it to him.
Pretend you didn’t hear him ask,
Or make a new one on a whim.
For if you give the man your name,
Then he will take it, his to keep.
And now your name belongs to him,
A priceless thing you sold too cheap.
Then no one will remember you,
And you’ll have nothing of your own.
You will not even know yourself,
And wander through the world alone.
I walk the earth so long-forgot.
The stranger took my name from me.
Now I no longer can recall
The person that I used to be.
So if a stranger walks with you,
And if he asks you for your name,
Then don’t you dare give it to him.
You’ll only have yourself to blame.