"...an artist of such raw talent, ambition and good will... Phillips' main attraction is still his voice. Reedy and flexible, with a remarkable falsetto, it is a potent dramatic instrument. " that's what Rolling Stone Magazine had to say about Shawn Phillips, a musician whose work literally fits into no category.
Shawn Phillips has almost twenty albums to his credit (of which millions have been sold) and a host of associations with some of the most respected names in the industry including Donovan, Paul Buckmaster, J Peter Robinson, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and many others, yet he is virtually forgotten except by his cadre of loyal fans. The Texas-born singer/songwriter was called "The best kept secret in the music business," by the late rock impresario Bill Graham.
Beginning in the 1960s, Phillips made noteworthy contributions to popular music. He performed at the "Isle of Wight" festival and was cast to play the lead in the original production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" (he had to withdraw due to his heavy recording and touring schedule.)
Throughout the 60s Phillips worked the folk music scene in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, New York's Greenwich Village, and London. In 1967 Phillips moved to Positano, Italy, where he remained throughout the 1970s, writing some of his most well known work. This period produced the albums 'Contribution', 'Second Contribution', 'Collaboration' and 'Faces".
Four of his albums "Faces," "Bright White," "Furthermore" and "Do You Wonder" made it into the Billboard Top 100. In addition, the singles, "Lost Horizon," "We" and "Woman" made Billboard's top 40. One of the most sought after Christmas songs is Phillips' 1970 45rpm release of "A Christmas Song" on A&M 1238. The track is now available on the re-issue of Faces.
His latest album, 'No Category' featuring his longtime collaborators Paul Buckmaster and Peter Robinson was released in 2002.
Today Shawn lives in Port Elizabeth, South Africa dividing his time between writing, touring, and his work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter.
Official Shawn Phillips website : www.shawnphillips.com
Shawn Phillips Merchandise can be purchased here: http://www.zazzle.com/shawnphillips_emh
Stranded
Shawn Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Scorpio has their day
When the moon is a quarter you can clearly see the milky way
She took me in her arms to say
That life is just as hard for the people who are getting their way
Waiting for the judgment day
We will be ready
Going away
Don't want to stay stranded, stranded, stranded, stranded
Breaking through a wall of pain
From the birth to the memory
Life is not to be profaned
Sometimes it can be so gray
But when the wind starts to howl it will usually blow it all away
Coming from another plane
From the night to the light that lets you see the morning rain
Feeling no pain
Walking in sugar cane
I'm not stranded
Living a dream
Stranded
You know what I mean
Stranded
Take it apart
Stranded
I'm winning your heart
Standing on acastle wall
Looking at the hour being eaten by the powerful throng
Have you ever lived in war
If you kae your life for granted it will leave you stranded
But peace is on its fragile way
From the night to the light that lets us go our trembling way
Feeling no pain
Walking in sugar cane
Feeling no pain
And we are not stranded
Living a dream
Stranded
You know what I mean
I said stranded
The lyrics to Shawn Phillips's song Stranded seem to have a spiritual and philosophical message. The reference to Scorpio could indicate the theme of death and rebirth, linked to Scorpio's association with transformation and regeneration. The line about the moon being a quarter, and the clear view of the milky way, could signify clarity and truth. The idea of life being just as hard for people who are getting their way underscores the struggles present in all lives. Waiting for the judgment day could indicate a sense of anticipation for a time when one's life and efforts will be evaluated. The repetition of the word "stranded" suggests a feeling of being disconnected from the world.
The lyrics touch on themes such as birth, memory, pain, and peace. The idea that life is not to be profaned could indicate that it should be respected and treated with reverence. The concept of walking in sugar cane could indicate a blissful and carefree experience. The line about being on a castle wall and looking at the hour being eaten by the powerful throng could indicate a feeling of helplessness, as time and society seem to dictate one's existence. The idea that peace is on its fragile way could indicate a sense of hope for better times ahead.
Overall, the lyrics of Stranded seem to be contemplative and reflective, with a focus on existential and universal themes such as life and death, pain and joy, and time and society.
Line by Line Meaning
Scorpio has their day
Every zodiac sign has their time to shine
When the moon is a quarter you can clearly see the milky way
The moon's phases affect the visibility of the stars
She took me in her arms to say
Someone shared a personal insight with me
That life is just as hard for the people who are getting their way
Success doesn't necessarily make life easier
Waiting for the judgment day
Bracing for the consequences of our actions
We will be ready
We can handle whatever comes our way
We will go without a moment's delay
We won't hesitate to take action when necessary
Going away
Leaving a situation
Don't want to stay stranded, stranded, stranded, stranded
Not wanting to feel stuck or trapped
Breaking through a wall of pain
Overcoming emotional hardship
From the birth to the memory
Life from beginning to end
Life is not to be profaned
Life is sacred and shouldn't be disrespected
Sometimes it can be so gray
Life can be dull and depressing
But when the wind starts to howl it will usually blow it all away
Tough times will eventually pass
Coming from another plane
Experiencing a different state of being
From the night to the light that lets you see the morning rain
Transitioning from darkness to dawn
Feeling no pain
Being content and at peace
Walking in sugar cane
Enjoying a moment of sweetness in life
I'm not stranded
Feeling free and unburdened
Living a dream
Enjoying and pursuing a fulfilling life
Stranded
Feeling stuck or trapped
You know what I mean
Understanding the sentiment being expressed
Take it apart
Breaking down a situation or problem
I'm winning your heart
Earning someone's affection
Standing on a castle wall
Having a unique perspective on a situation
Looking at the hour being eaten by the powerful throng
Seeing time being consumed by the chaos of society
Have you ever lived in war
Asking if someone has experienced extreme adversity
If you take your life for granted it will leave you stranded
Not appreciating life can make you feel lost or hopeless
But peace is on its fragile way
Hope for a peaceful resolution is present but uncertain
From the night to the light that lets us go our trembling way
Moving from fear and uncertainty to hope and resolution
And we are not stranded
Feeling free and in control
Contributed by Jonathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.