Originally a rockabilly artist from Altus, Oklahoma, Martin is best known for writing the songs "Bad Case Of Lovin' You (Doctor, Doctor)" made famous by English singer Robert Palmer and "Cadillac Walk" made famous by American singer Willy DeVille.
Martin gained recognition in the 1970s as a pop artist and composer. He was given the nickname "Moon" because many of his songs had "moon" in the lyrics. He also scored two minor hits of own with the song "Rolene" in 1979 and the song "Bad News" in 1980 in France
Stranded
Moon Martin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My little child she's out runnin' wild
The shadows fall dark against the wall
Stranded
Stranded
Baby I see when it got to me
You took a dart and put it to my heart
Stranded
Stranded
Baby I see when it got to me
You took a dart and put it to my heart
The shadows fall dark against the wall
Come on baby won't ya be a be a man
I really want it but my circuit's all jammed
If I don't unload I'm gonna explode now
Baby right now
I'm gonna get a way to make it fit
Come on doc one more shot
So good, uh-huh, alright
I wanna make it through the night
Stranded
Stranded
Baby I see when it got to me
You took a dart and put it to my heart
The shadows fall dark against the wall
The lyrics of Moon Martin's song "Stranded" could be interpreted as a lament of a man who's been left in the lurch in a difficult moment by a love interest who used to be his rock. He's lost his way and his little child is running wild, as he tries to make sense of how he got stranded in this situation. He repeats the refrain "stranded" multiple times, conveying a sense of helplessness and desperation. He seems to be blaming his lover for abandoning him when the going got tough.
The verse "You took a dart and put it to my heart" could be seen as a metaphorical reference to the way he's been hurt, and has perhaps lost his will to carry on. The repeated mention of "the shadows fall dark against the wall" could be interpreted as a further indication of the character's emotional state - feeling isolated and alone, and disconnected from the world.
Towards the end, he appeals to his lover to be more supportive and to help him overcome his challenges. He wants her to be "be a man", a phrase that could be seen as somewhat ironic, given that he's the one who appears to be struggling. He's concerned that if he doesn't find a way to relieve his anxiety - "If I don't unload I'm gonna explode now / Baby right now" - he'll be consumed by it. Ultimately, he just wants a way to make it through the night.
Line by Line Meaning
I know how but I don't know when
I understand what needs to be done, but I'm uncertain of the timing.
My little child she's out runnin' wild
My young daughter is behaving recklessly and without restraint.
The shadows fall dark against the wall
The darkness of night is casting a dim shadow on the wall.
Stranded
I'm left helpless and without a solution to my problem.
Baby I see when it got to me
My beloved, I realize the gravity of the situation now.
You took a dart and put it to my heart
You have wounded me deeply and caused me great pain.
Come on baby won't ya be a be a man
Please, my love, be strong and brave in this trying time.
I really want it but my circuit's all jammed
I deeply desire the fulfillment of my desires, but I'm experiencing a blockage or obstacle.
If I don't unload I'm gonna explode now
If I don't find a release for my emotions or energy, I'll be overwhelmed and explode with frustration.
Baby right now
My love, I need your help and support immediately.
I'm gonna get a way to make it fit
I'll find a solution or method to make things work out.
Come on doc one more shot
Doctor, I need you to give me one more chance or treatment.
So good, uh-huh, alright
That's a great idea or plan, I agree.
I wanna make it through the night
I'm determined to survive and overcome this difficult situation until dawn.
Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.