The Saints, an Australian punk band from Brisbane, released "I'm Stranded" in September 1976, becoming one of the earliest punk singles ever released—predating releases by the Sex Pistols and The Damned. The song captured themes of teenage alienation and urban isolation, and proved pivotal in launching the band's career and establishing their place in punk history. According to Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats, The Saints were one of only three bands that fundamentally changed rock music in the 1970s, alongside the Sex Pistols and the Ramones.

The Saints had been performing since 1973 under different names before adopting their final moniker in 1974. Guitarist Ed Kuepper composed "I'm Stranded" during a train journey near Brisbane, sketching the first verse in his bedroom before handing lyrical duties to frontman Chris Bailey. The band recorded the single with its B-side "No Time" at Bruce Window Studios in June 1976, completing the work in approximately one day. Released independently on their DIY Fatal label, the single gained significant traction in the UK and earned high praise from Sounds magazine and BBC Radio 1's John Peel, ultimately leading to an EMI record deal for three albums.