American singer-songwriter David Allred has shared a new recording of Hey Stranger, featuring himself alone on the piano and his deeply emotive vocals, entitled Hey Stranger (Take 2). The heartbreaking lyrics tell us the story of Allred’s friend who disappeared over a decade ago, and the emotions that he’s been left with since.

"'Hey Stranger' is about a close and deeply troubled lifelong friend who disappeared 12 years ago without any trace or explanation, and the experience of navigating an undying paranoia that he might appear back into my life when I least expect it. I find myself scanning crowded public places to assure that he’s not in my presence as often as I wonder where he is and how he is doing. It's his birthday on November 5 and here is Hey Stranger (Take 2), written in dedication to him.

Happy Birthday, J. You are deeply loved and missed, and you always have a friend when you need one." — David Allred

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