About the song
Released in 1968, “Little Miss Strange” is one of the most intriguing tracks from Jimi Hendrix’s iconic album, “Axis: Bold as Love.” The song stands out for its distinctive blend of Hendrix’s signature guitar work, psychedelic rock elements, and a somewhat whimsical yet emotionally charged narrative. While the album was a significant step in Hendrix’s evolution as a musician, “Little Miss Strange” offers a glimpse into his exploration of unconventional themes and his ability to create music that was both abstract and intensely personal.
The track is unique in that it features Noel Redding, the bassist of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, taking the lead vocals rather than Hendrix himself. This marked a departure from the typical vocal dynamic within the band and provided a fresh, different perspective on the album. While Hendrix is known for his powerful, soulful voice, the decision to have Redding sing on “Little Miss Strange” adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the song. The lyrics, sung by Redding, are filled with cryptic, dreamlike imagery, speaking of a girl—**“Little Miss Strange”—**who seems to possess both allure and an air of mystery, offering a glimpse into a world of both infatuation and alienation. The track embodies the essence of the psychedelic era, where love, longing, and the human experience were explored through vivid, often surreal language.
In terms of meaning, “Little Miss Strange” can be seen as an exploration of unrequited love or an intense attraction to someone who remains distant or elusive. The title itself evokes a sense of unfamiliarity and curiosity, suggesting that the object of affection is “strange” not in a negative sense but in a way that piques the narrator’s fascination and desire. The theme of longing for something unattainable is central to the song, and in typical Hendrix fashion, it is delivered through a blend of ethereal music and evocative lyrics. There is a certain sense of mystery and wonder surrounding the character of Little Miss Strange, with the narrator both drawn to and perplexed by her.
Musically, the song is rooted in the psychedelic rock genre that dominated the late 1960s, but it also carries the unmistakable Jimi Hendrix influence of blending blues, rock, and experimental sounds. The track features a distinctive guitar riff that embodies the loose, improvisational spirit of the era, with Hendrix’s smooth, fluid playing providing the perfect backdrop for the song’s dreamlike lyrics. The arrangement itself, like much of Axis: Bold as Love, includes rich layers of instrumentation, with the guitar work being the centerpiece of the song. The overall vibe is hazy and hypnotic, reflective of the psychedelic movement that was at its peak during the late 1960s.
While “Little Miss Strange” is not as widely recognized as some of Hendrix’s other hits, such as “Purple Haze” or “Hey Joe,” it still plays an important role in the album. Axis: Bold as Love was a breakthrough album for Hendrix, showcasing his willingness to experiment with different sounds and themes. The inclusion of “Little Miss Strange” added to the album’s eclectic mix, helping to establish Hendrix not only as a guitar virtuoso but also as a master of creating atmospheric, genre-defying music.
The song also has a social and cultural context. The late 1960s were a time of significant change in music, culture, and society. The psychedelic rock movement was in full force, and bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Doors were shaping the musical landscape. Jimi Hendrix, in particular, was at the forefront of this movement, influencing countless artists with his innovative approach to guitar playing, his boundary-pushing performances, and his willingness to embrace both musical and cultural experimentation. “Little Miss Strange” reflects the spirit of the era—an era where boundaries between music, art, and personal expression were constantly being blurred.
From a cultural perspective, “Little Miss Strange” is representative of the era’s fascination with counterculture, identity, and nonconformity. The song’s cryptic, dreamlike lyrics and its unconventional vocal arrangement serve as a reflection of the confusion, wonder, and search for meaning that characterized much of the 1960s. While the song itself doesn’t offer clear answers, it leaves listeners with an emotional impression that speaks to the complexity of human desire and the uncertainty of relationships.
Though “Little Miss Strange” may not have reached the mainstream popularity of some of Hendrix’s other tracks, it has maintained its place in Jimi Hendrix’s discography as a significant example of his versatility as an artist. It stands as a testament to his ability to experiment with sound and collaborate with his band members, adding to the mystique and magic of Axis: Bold as Love. The song’s unique vibe, coupled with its thoughtful lyrics and creative guitar work, ensures that it remains a cherished track for Hendrix fans and music lovers alike.
In conclusion, “Little Miss Strange” is a fascinating and somewhat enigmatic piece within Jimi Hendrix’s body of work. Released as part of Axis: Bold as Love in 1968, the song captures the essence of the psychedelic rock era while also highlighting Hendrix’s creative genius and willingness to explore different musical territories. Through its dreamy lyrics, experimental sound, and the intriguing choice of Noel Redding on vocals, the song remains a standout track that reflects both the personal and societal changes of the time. “Little Miss Strange” may not have been a major commercial hit, but it remains a beloved and important piece in the legacy of one of rock’s most influential musicians.
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Lyrics
… No one knows where she comes fromMaybe she’s a devil in disguiseI can tell by looking in her eyes… Little Miss StrangeLittle Miss Strange… Little Miss Strange came into my parlorI don’t know just what to ask herI don’t remember what we did after… Little Miss StrangeLittle Miss Strange… Little Miss Strange came out of the darknessWalked across my head, I stood beneath the lightI’m talkin’ ’bout the dream I had the other night… Little Miss StrangeLittle Miss Strange