“Trying to make out some sense of it all”

Mandy is Missing is a song that has been around since the late 1980’s and I recorded it in at least 5 completely different ways over the years. Originally it was an R n B rocker, then it became a Madchester style dance track, after that it was finally committed to vinyl in 1990 as Talking Heads style dance track. This got me a bit of national recognition and I got my foot in the door for a deal with BMG. I didn’t realise it at the time but I was really fortunate this came to nothing and I was able to develop my songs without the pressure of managers and label people.

The lyrics were inspired by a 1987 episode of ITV’s “World in Action” current affairs program entitled “Mandy is Missing”. This program was an investigation into kids running away from small towns in the north of England who were then getting caught up in prostitution and drug gangs. It followed a couple of parents as they tried to find their daughter and get her to come back home.

Fast Forward to the present day and as part of the More Music Monday live streaming sessions I dug it out and arranged it as an acoustic number. I have included the video below. When I came to record it for the collection I decided I would try to roll as many of the different versions together as I could.

Mandy Is Missing (2019 version)

Mandy Is Missing HQ Audio Download

Mandy Is Missing

Mandy is missing, where can she be

They’re taking advantage of her naivety

Mandy is missing is she out on the streets

With no-one to protect her from the people she meets

At home she was crazy, can’t stand the town

And lack of affection was bringing her down

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea

Running away will she ever be free

Clutching her photo they hope for the best

Nothing prepares them for their daughters mess

Ask if they’ve seen her playing her games

Mother cries out at the shock and the pain

At home she was crazy, can’t stand the town

And lack of affection was bringing her down

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea

Running away will she ever be free

Mandy

Opening letters, answering calls

Trying to make out some sense of it all

It’s all too uncertain they’ll never be sure

They know deep down she will never be pure

Mandy is missing they know all the facts

But that don’t stop them from wanting her back.

Written and performed by Stuart James Wright