What does this song mean by Mike & the Mechanics?

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

I have always wondered about the song by Mike & the Mechanics called Silent Running. I mean I've listened to the lyrics and why do the song say "Can you hear me? Can you hear me running? Can you hear me calling you?" I mean those lyrics are repeated throughout the song.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this.

 

[KoocheeKoo]

Among my favorite songs, Silent Running is sort of a "World War III" or nuclear war song; it's lyrics supposedly words of warning from a senior command (i.e- Pentagon general; submarine commander) that an invasion is about to take place, that there's no way to stop it.......and advising the citizenry to do whatever it takes to stay alive (use a gun and ammunition only when neccesary; honor whatever flag the invading force offers).....and teach the young quietly to oppose and hate the occupying force; so hopefully they'll someday fight (rebel against the oppressive regime) where we once stood still (didn't take the threat seriously until too late).

This song was released during the early 80's when there was tremendous tension between the U.S/ NATO and Soviet Union; a time when many believed nuclear war was not only possible, but probable; IMO this song comes out of that era just as movies such as "Red Dawn" and "The Day After" did.

Silent running is a term used to describe the "stealth-like" movements U.S. and Russian nuclear attack subs are capable of while traversing the seas or approaching an enemy nation to attack.

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

Thank you KoocheeKoo. That makes a lot of sense. I've always thought that's what the song meant or I've seen the video and thought it was about a war in space.