The words were originally written after watching a "World in Action" TV programme (circa 1987) about kids running away from provincial towns to London and ending up working in brothels. I re-wrote the first verse in 1990 for an indie single to make it more of a poppy love song. These are the original lyrics. The original demo ended up sounding a bit like a Stones out-take.
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 bring her down
Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
She's running away but she'll never be free
Clutching her photo they hope for the best
But nothing prepares them for their daughter's mess
Ask if they've seen her playing her games
Mother crys out at the shock and the pain
Opening letters answering calls
Trying to make out the best of it all
And it's all so uncertain and they'll never be sure
They know deep down she'll never be pure
Mandy is missing they know all the facts But that don't stop them from wanting her back
Copyright 1990 Stuart Wright
