The One in the Middle
The Allure Within: Manfred Mann's Tale of Sweet Melodies and Pretty Faces
Lyrics
Let me tell you 'bout the Manfreds
Introducing information about the band "Manfreds."
The music that they're puttin' down
Referring to the music that the band is creating.
They started to play
Describing the beginning of their performance.
On a rainy day
Setting the scene, suggesting the weather conditions.
& the people came from miles around
Expressing that people traveled long distances to attend the event.
CHORUS:
Introducing the chorus section.
They didn't come for the rhythm
People didn't attend for the rhythm of the music.
They didn't come for the beat
They didn't attend for the beat of the music either.
The people of the town
Highlighting that townspeople gathered merely to watch.
Came just to stand around
People gathered around just to observe.
& see the singer lookin' sweet
Describing the singer's appearance in a favorable way.
Mike Hugg plays the drums, yeah
Identifying the drummer of the band.
Tom McGuiness plays the diamond bass
Identifying the bassist of the band.
But the one in the middle
Focusing on the central singer of the band.
Sings "Hey diddle diddle"
Referencing a nonsensical phrase often used in children's rhymes.
God, he's just a pretty face
Commenting on the singer's attractiveness, implying a lack of substance.
(chorus)
Reiteration of the chorus.
They couldn't have!
Expressing disbelief or surprise.
(instrumental)
Instrumental section of the song.
Manfred Mann plays the organ
Identifying the organ player of the band.
Mike Vickers plays guitar
Identifying the guitarist of the band.
& there's a geezer called Paul
Describing another member of the band who aims to become famous.
Who's so thin & so tall
Describing the physical appearance of the person aspiring for fame.
& sure wants to be a star
Highlighting the ambition of the person in the band.
(chorus)
Repetition of the chorus section.
(x6): See the singer lookin'...
Repetition indicating the singer's appealing appearance.
Sweet
Reiteration of the singer's attractive appearance.
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