The lyrics of John Hiatt's song "Mr. Stanley" depict a story of a character who lost both his father and a father figure named Mr. Stanley. The protagonist reflects on the love and care Mr. Stanley showed him, treating him like a son. The first verse highlights the absence of any parental figure in the protagonist's life since both his father and Mr. Stanley are now gone. The second verse suggests that the protagonist's father passed away when he was young, leaving him feeling incomplete as he wasn't able to experience a father's guidance and presence. However, Mr. Stanley stepped in and provided support, raising him to the best of his abilities. The choruses repeat the sentiment that Mr. Stanley loved the protagonist like a son, emphasizing the bond they shared. The final verse introduces the imagery of six white horses coming to Tennessee. This imagery symbolizes a funeral procession coming to take Mr. Stanley away. The protagonist feels the pain of losing Mr. Stanley, as he was the figure who filled the void left by his father's absence. Overall, the song captures the loss and longing the protagonist feels after losing both his biological father and the surrogate father figure, Mr. Stanley, who played a pivotal role in his life.
