About The Song
“Strange” is a poignant country ballad recorded by Patsy Cline and released as the B-side to her single “She’s Got You” on January 10, 1962 (promoted around January 30), by Decca Records (catalog number 31354). Written by Fred Burch and Mel Tillis, the song was produced by Owen Bradley at Bradley Film and Recording Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Recorded on August 25, 1961, the track runs approximately 2:10-2:15 and features Cline’s warm, expressive vocals backed by a classic Nashville Sound arrangement: gentle piano, acoustic guitar, subtle strings, and harmonious support from The Jordanaires. The production style, characteristic of Bradley’s work with Cline, emphasized emotional intimacy and crossover appeal during her peak commercial period.
By 1961-1962, Patsy Cline was enjoying her greatest success after years of building momentum. Born Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932, in Gore, Virginia, she had transitioned to Decca Records in 1960 under Bradley’s guidance, moving away from her earlier honky-tonk roots toward the smoother, more pop-influenced countrypolitan sound. Following massive hits like “I Fall to Pieces” (No. 1 country, No. 12 Hot 100 in 1961) and “Crazy” (No. 2 country, No. 9 Hot 100 in 1961), “She’s Got You” became her third major crossover success. “Strange” served as its companion piece on the single, which was included on her third studio album Sentimentally Yours, released in August 1962. The album, also produced by Bradley, compiled recent sessions and reached No. 9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Although “Strange” was not promoted as the A-side, it charted independently on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 97 in 1962. It appeared on various posthumous compilations, most notably Patsy Cline’s Greatest Hits (released 1967 by Decca/MCA), which became one of the longest-charting albums in country music history, certified multi-platinum and including “Strange” alongside her signature hits. The song’s lyrics reflect on the abrupt end of a relationship, marveling at how love vanished “when she came along,” delivered with Cline’s signature blend of heartache and resilience. Mel Tillis, a renowned Nashville songwriter and future Country Music Hall of Famer, co-wrote the tune, bringing his melodic sensibility to the simple yet effective structure.
Behind the scenes, the August 1961 session for “Strange” occurred amid Cline’s busy schedule following her recovery from a near-fatal car accident in July 1961. Bradley’s production captured her vocal strength despite any lingering effects, with the track benefiting from Nashville’s top session players. “Strange” was one of several strong B-sides in Cline’s catalog that showcased her interpretive talent. It has been included in numerous anthologies and remains a fan favorite for its understated elegance. Tragically, Cline’s life ended in a plane crash on March 5, 1963, at age 30, but recordings like “Strange” continue to highlight her influence on female vocalists in country music and her role in bridging country and pop audiences during the early 1960s.
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Lyric
Strange how you stopped loving me
How you stopped needing me
When she came along
Oh how strangeStrange you changed like night and day
Just up and walked away
When she came along
Oh how strangeWell, I guess that I was just your puppet
You held on a string
To think I thought you really loved me
But look what thoughts can bringStrange you’re still in all my dreams
Oh what a funny thing
I still care for you
Oh how strange