About the song
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and their rendition of “Blinded by the Light” stand as a pivotal moment in the evolution of rock music. The song, originally penned by a young Bruce Springsteen, found its ultimate apotheosis in the hands of this British rock ensemble. It was more than just a cover; it was a reimagining, a revitalization, a transformation that catapulted the track into the stratosphere of pop culture.
Released in 1976 as part of their album The Roaring Silence, “Blinded by the Light” was a departure from the more progressive rock sounds the band had been exploring. Yet, their signature blend of melodic sensibilities and energetic performances remained intact. The track was a calculated risk, a venture into the realm of contemporary pop, which at the time was dominated by disco and soft rock. But it was a risk that paid off handsomely.
The band’s interpretation of Springsteen’s lyrics was nothing short of masterful. Their arrangement, marked by a driving rhythm section, soaring guitar solos, and Mann’s distinctive vocal delivery, imbued the song with a raw energy and immediacy that was unparalleled. The result was a track that resonated with audiences on a visceral level, transcending generational and cultural divides.
“Blinded by the Light” was more than just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon. Its success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the song tapped into the zeitgeist of the time, capturing the restlessness and idealism of a generation coming of age. Secondly, the band’s performance was electrifying, their musicianship impeccable. And finally, the song’s infectious melody and anthemic chorus made it impossible to resist.
The impact of “Blinded by the Light” cannot be overstated. It not only propelled Manfred Mann’s Earth Band to international stardom but also introduced Bruce Springsteen to a wider audience. The song remains a staple of classic rock radio and continues to inspire new generations of musicians. It is a testament to the enduring power of rock music and a reminder of the transformative impact a single song can have on popular culture.
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Lyrics
“Blinded By The Light”
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Madman drummer bummers
Indians in the summer
With a teenage diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps
As the adolescent pumps
His way into his hat
With a boulder on my shoulder
Feeling kinda older
I tripped a merry-go-round
With this very unpleasing
Sneezing and wheezing
The calliope crashed to the ground
The calliope crashed to the ground
But she was blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Some silicone sister
With her manager mister
Told me I got what it takes
She said, I’ll turn you on sonny to something strong
Play the song with the funky break
And go-kart Mozart
Was checking out the weather chart
To see if it was safe outside
And little Early Pearly
Came by in his curly-wurly
And asked me if I needed a ride
Asked me if I needed a ride
‘Cause she was blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
She got down but she never got tight
She’s gonna make it to the night
She’s gonna make it through the night
But mama, that’s where the fun is
But mama, that’s where the fun is
[Solo]
Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun
But mama, that’s where the fun is
Some brimstone baritone
Anticyclone rolling stone
Preacher from the east
Says, “Dethrone the Dictaphone
Hit it in its funny bone
That’s where they expect it least.”
And some new mown chaperone
Was standing in the corner
Watching the young girls dance
And some fresh-sown moonstone
Was messing with his frozen zone
Reminding him of romance
The calliope crashed to the ground
But she was blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
(Madman drummers bummers and Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat
In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat)
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
(With a boulder on my shoulder feelin’ kinda older I tripped the merry-go-round
With this very unpleasing sneezing and wheezing the calliope crashed to the ground)
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
(And now Scott with a slingshot finally found a tender spot and throws his lover in the sand
And some bloodshot forget-me-not whispers daddy’s within earshot save the buckshot turn up the band.)
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
(Some silicone sister with her manager mister told me I got what it takes
She said I’ll turn you on sonny to something strong)
She got down but she never got tired
She’s gonna make it through the night