About the song
“Take a Message to Mary” is a poignant ballad released in 1959 by the iconic duo, the Everly Brothers. This song captured the hearts of many, making a significant impact on the music scene of the time. It achieved notable success, spending 13 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching a respectable peak of No. 16. Additionally, it performed well in other regions, securing the No. 8 spot on Canada’s CHUM Hit Parade and No. 20 on the United Kingdom’s New Musical Express chart.
The song’s narrative is both touching and somber. The lyrics tell the story of a man who finds himself imprisoned due to a crime he committed. Facing the harsh reality of his situation, he asks a friend to deliver a heartfelt message to his beloved, Mary. He wants her to know that he has embarked on a journey to explore the world, which means he must cancel their wedding. With deep regret, he encourages her to move on and find happiness with someone new.
As the song progresses, the listener can sense the man’s profound sorrow. His plea is underscored by the stark reality of his confinement, symbolized by the “cold cell” he resides in. This imagery reflects the emotional cost of his actions, emphasizing his loss and longing for what he can no longer have.
“Take a Message to Mary” resonates with its listeners through its emotional depth and relatable themes of regret and heartache. Its timeless appeal and heartfelt message continue to endear it to audiences across generations.
Video
Lyrics
These are the words of a frontier lad
Who lost his love when he turned bad
Take a message to Mary but don’t tell her where I am
Take a message to Mary but don’t say I’m in a jam
You can tell her I had to see the world or tell her that my ship set sail
You can say she’d better not wait for me but don’t tell her I’m in jail
Oh, don’t tell her I’m in jail
Take a message to Mary but don’t tell her what I’ve done
Please don’t mention the stagecoach and the shot from a careless gun
You can tell her I had to change my plans and cancel out the wedding day
But please don’t mention my lonely cell where I’m gonna pine away
Until my dying day
Take a message to Mary but don’t tell her all you know
My heart’s achin’ for Mary, Lord knows I miss her so
Just tell her I went to Timbuktu, tell her I’m searchin’ for gold
You can say she’d better find someone new to cherish and to hold
Oh, Lord, this cell is cold
Mary, Mary
Oh, Lord this cell is cold