About the song
Ricky Nelson, the quintessential teen idol of the 1950s and early 1960s, crafted a musical legacy that continues to resonate with audiences today. One of his most enduring and beloved songs, “Hello Mary Lou,” encapsulates the youthful exuberance, romantic longing, and timeless appeal that characterized his music. Released in 1961, this infectious tune quickly climbed the charts, solidifying Nelson’s status as a pop culture icon.
“Hello Mary Lou” is a classic example of rockabilly, a genre that blended elements of country music and rock and roll. The song’s driving rhythm, catchy melody, and Nelson’s energetic vocal delivery create a sense of youthful vitality. The lyrics, penned by Gene Pitney, paint a vivid picture of a young man’s infatuation with a girl named Mary Lou. The simple yet evocative language captures the essence of teenage love, with lines like “I’m gonna marry you, Mary Lou” expressing a heartfelt desire for commitment.
Nelson’s performance on “Hello Mary Lou” is both charismatic and genuine. His voice, with its youthful timbre and expressive phrasing, conveys a sense of sincerity and passion. The song’s instrumentation, featuring a lively guitar riff and a steady drumbeat, provides a solid foundation for Nelson’s vocals. The combination of Nelson’s charismatic delivery and the song’s infectious melody has made “Hello Mary Lou” a timeless classic.
Over the years, “Hello Mary Lou” has been covered by numerous artists, from Elvis Presley to Led Zeppelin. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. It continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, serving as a reminder of the power of music to evoke nostalgia and capture the essence of youthful love.
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Lyrics
Hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou
I’m so in love with you
I knew Mary Lou
We’d never part
So hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
You passed me by one sunny day
Flashed those big brown eyes my way
And ooh I wanted you forever more
Now I’m not one that gets around
I swear my feet stuck to the ground
And though I never did meet you before
I said “Hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou
I’m so in love with you”
I knew Mary Lou
We’d never part
So hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
I saw your lips I heard your voice
Believe me I just had no choice
Wild horses couldn’t make me stay away
I thought about a moonlit night
Arms around you, good and tight
All I had to see for me to say
“Hey hey hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou
I’m so in love with you”
I knew Mary Lou
We’d never part
So, hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
So, hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart
Yes, hello Mary Lou
Goodbye heart