Stranded
Manfred Mann's Earth Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stranded in Iowa
Stranded in Iowa
Better get the Breakdown squad out
Get me rolling on
'Cause I can't keep my thoughts out of sight
Better get the Breakdown squad out
'Cause I need to feel the stars sleep by at night
I'm stranded all night, stranded all right
Stranded in Iowa
Stranded in Iowa
Better get the Breakdown squad out
Get me rolling on
'Cause I can't keep my thoughts out of sight
Better get the Breakdown squad out
Get me rolling on
'Cause I need to feel the stars sleep by at night
I'm stranded all night, stranded all right
Mayday, this is Echo Hotel
Mayday, this is Echo Hotel
Mayday, this is Echo Hotel
Hotel Echo, this is Mike November
I can hear your call
Mayday, this is Echo Hotel
Mayday, this is Echo Hotel
Hotel Echo, this is Charlie Delta
I can feel the fear
Mayday, this is Echo Hotel
[repeat to fade]
Stranded in Iowa
Stranded in Iowa
Better get the Breakdown squad out
Get me rolling on
'Cause I can't keep my thoughts out of sight
Better get the Breakdown squad out
Get me rolling on
'Cause I need to feel the stars sleep by at night
Better get the Breakdown squad out
Get me rolling on
'Cause I can't keep my thoughts out of sight
Better get the Breakdown squad out
Get me rolling on
'Cause I need to feel the stars sleep by at night
I'm stranded all night, stranded all right
Mayday, this is Echo Hotel
[repeat to fade]
Manfred Mann's Earth Band's "Stranded" is a song about being lost and alone in Iowa, with the singer calling for help to get back on the road. The lyrics describe the singer's need to keep moving and to feel the presence of the stars at night. The repeated call for a "Breakdown squad" suggests that there may be something wrong with the vehicle, adding to the sense of urgency.
The use of the radio code "Mayday" and location labels "Echo Hotel" and "Mike November" add to the feeling of desperation and isolation. The final lines of "Mayday, this is Echo Hotel" being repeated to fade suggest that the singer's calls for help may not be answered.
The song uses a driving rock beat and repetitive lyrics to convey the sense of urgency and the need to keep moving. The repetition of the phrase "stranded in Iowa" further emphasizes the feeling of being lost and alone. Overall, the song creates a sense of unease and tension, with the underlying fear that help may not arrive in time.
Line by Line Meaning
Stranded in Iowa
The singer is stuck in Iowa
Better get the Breakdown squad out
Help is needed to get the singer unstuck
Get me rolling on
The singer needs to leave Iowa as soon as possible
'Cause I can't keep my thoughts out of sight
Staying in Iowa is causing the artist mental distress
'Cause I need to feel the stars sleep by at night
The artist longs for a clear night sky and the comfort it brings
I'm stranded all night, stranded all right
The singer has no choice but to spend the night in Iowa
Mayday, this is Echo Hotel
The singer is calling for emergency assistance
Hotel Echo, this is Mike November
The artist is trying to contact a specific person or station for help
I can hear your call
The person on the other end of the call hears the artist's distress signal
Hotel Echo, this is Charlie Delta
Another person or station is responding to the call for help
I can feel the fear
The responding person feels the urgency and seriousness of the situation
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Michael Heron, Manfred Mann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paigelisa7513
Ich höre das Stück zum ersten Mal. Ist echt schön. Meinem Vater schießen dabei immer Tränen in die Augen, weil es ihn an seine Jugend erinnert^^
@alcyone7thstar
Oct 21. 2020: Manfred Mann 80 years old, still playing! 🎹
@georgeviau4558
...Don't forget Alan Parsons' Projects...Two great Rock and Roll Geniusus....
@landofsuchbeauty
This song is a big part of my mindscape as a teen during the last decade of the Cold War. The sounds effects at the beginning, the dystopian relentless march into the melody, the distance vocal, the themes of stranded, alone, lost, and helpless. It all works together to resonate with the feelings of living under the constant and relentless oppression of the threat of annihilation.
@muskepticsometimes9133
I see song same way, about nuke war. Still don't fully understand it
@normanwarnars
Still very intriging sound. Special effects keeps me listening this great song over and over. Remember when I bought the LP when it came out. Nice memories...
@bryanfriend6094
If I hear Blinded By the Light one more time....I'm going to lose my mind. Chance was such a good album from these guys!!! Thanks for posting!
@joyporcella81
Love this song. Reminds me that AOR rocked the 70s and early 80s. I'm 54 and gen x we got the best rock.
@user-hn2ur6ir4o
Слушаю и вспоминаю юность.8 класс.80 год.манфред вечен.
@donnyarmstrong9559
Technics turn table, 4 901's, (true)100 watt Pioneer tuner/amp, $40/oz Colombian, beer in the fridge, no worries in the world... 1980 was a great year!