Don't Talk to Strangers (Rick Springfield song)

"Don't Talk to Strangers" is a song written and performed by Australian musician Rick Springfield. It was released as a single in 1982, from the album Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet. The song reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, making it his second biggest hit in the US after the number-one hit, "Jessie's Girl". Springfield was nominated for Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance with the song in 1983.

Background The music was based on an earlier Springfield song titled "Spanish Eyes", and released on the Sound City recordings from 1978. The song lyrics were changed and were written to Springfield's then-girlfriend Barbara Porter (later his wife), whom he was worried was involved with other people while they were apart. Springfield recalled, "Back then, I was scared that she was screwing around because I was doing the same thing."

Reception Billboard said that it has "irresistible hooks interspersed throughout." Record World said it has "a snappy rock beat and sharp chorus hook."

Chart history Weekly charts Chart (1982)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)10Canada RPM Top Singles3Canada RPM Adult Contemporary3South Africa (Springbok)19US Billboard Hot 1002US Billboard Adult Contemporary30US Billboard Top Rock Tracks11US Cash Box Top 1002

Year-end charts Chart (1982–1983)RankAustralia (Kent Music Report)73Canada RPM Top Singles33US Billboard Hot 100Musicoutfitters.com20US Cash Box Top 10017

References