Meaning of "Stranded" by Van Morrison

The lyrics of "Stranded" by Van Morrison depict a sense of isolation and being lost. The narrator finds themselves at the edge of the world, in a place they are unfamiliar with and have nowhere to go. This could symbolize a feeling of being disconnected from society or individuals around them. The mention of the devil and the deep blue sea represents being stuck between two undesirable options or situations, giving the sense of being trapped and unable to escape. The line "And nobody's gonna tell me, tell me what, what time it is" suggests a defiance towards authority or societal norms, refusing to conform to the expectations or constraints placed upon them. The repetition of "hustle time" and "one more mountain to climb" reinforces a feeling of constant struggle and the never-ending challenges that life presents. The narrator feels stranded in their own little island, separated from others and unable to fully connect or find a sense of belonging. Despite having their eyes open wide, they still feel stranded, indicating a feeling of being lost even when trying to navigate through life with awareness. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of their current situation, believing there is nowhere else to be except where they are.