About the song
“Along Comes Mary” stands as a quintessential piece of 1960s sunshine pop, celebrated for its infectious melody and enigmatic lyrics. Penned by Tandyn Almer and performed by the Association, this song marked the band’s breakthrough into the music scene upon its release in March 1966. Serving as the lead single from their debut album, “And Then… Along Comes the Association,” the track swiftly captured the hearts of listeners with its upbeat tempo and introspective lyrics.
At its core, “Along Comes Mary” delves into the inner musings of a young man, grappling with unseen struggles and personal faults. Through poetic verses, he finds solace and inspiration in Mary, a figure widely interpreted as a metaphor for marijuana, a concept confirmed by both Leonard Bernstein and Almer himself. This subtle nod to counterculture themes resonated strongly with the era’s youth, adding layers of intrigue to the song’s narrative.
Musically, “Along Comes Mary” is noteworthy for its use of the Dorian mode, a choice explained by Bernstein during his Young People’s Concert titled “What Is a Mode?” This modal approach contributed to the song’s distinctive sound within the pop landscape of the time, further cementing its place in musical history.
Beyond its initial success with the Association, “Along Comes Mary” sparked a ripple effect of covers and reinterpretations across different genres and decades. Notable renditions include Hugh Masekela’s interpretation on his album “Hugh Masekela’s Next Album” in 1966, as well as George Benson’s funk-infused version on “Giblet Gravy” in 1968. The song’s enduring appeal is underscored by its inclusion in various compilations and the diverse range of artists who have paid homage to its timeless melody.
In conclusion, “Along Comes Mary” not only embodies the spirit of 1960s pop music but also encapsulates the era’s exploration of new sounds and themes. Its legacy as a cultural touchstone persists through its musical ingenuity and lyrical depth, ensuring its relevance and admiration across generations. As listeners continue to rediscover its charm, the song remains a testament to the Association’s artistic vision and enduring influence on popular music.
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Lyrics
Every time I think that I’m
The only one who’s lonely someone calls on me
And every now and then I spend
My time at rhyme and verse and curse those faults in me
And then along comes Mary
Mary, Mary
Then along comes Mary
Mary, Mary
And does she wanna give me kicks
And be my steady chick and give me pick of memories?
Or maybe rather gather tales from all the
Fails and tribulations no one ever sees?
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
Sweet as the punch
When vague desire is the fire in the eyes of chicks
Whose sickness is the games they play
And when the masquerade is played and neighbor folks
Make jokes as who is most to blame today
And then along comes Mary
Mary, Mary
Then along comes Mary
Mary, Mary
And does she wanna set them free
And let them see reality from where she got her name?
And will they struggle much when told that such
A tender touch of hers will make them not the same?
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
Sweet as the punch
And when the morning of the warning’s passed
The gassed and flaccid kids are flung across the stars
The psychodramas and the traumas gone
The songs are left unsung and hung upon the scars
And then along comes Mary
Mary, Mary
Then along comes Mary
Mary, Mary
And does she wanna see the stains the dead remains
Of all the pains she left the night before?
Or will their wakin’ eyes reflect the lies
And make them realize their urgent cry for sight no more?
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
Sweet as the punch
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
Sweet as the punch