About the song
Ricky Nelson, a name synonymous with the golden age of rock and roll, burst onto the scene in the 1950s with his heartthrob looks and infectious charm. His music, a blend of country and rockabilly, captivated audiences young and old. One of his most enduring hits, “Hello Mary Lou,” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Released in 1957, “Hello Mary Lou” was a departure from the typical teenage angst and rebellion often associated with rock and roll. Instead, the song offered a sweet and nostalgic love ballad that celebrated the simple pleasures of youth. Nelson’s smooth vocals and the catchy melody made the song an instant hit, topping the charts and solidifying his status as a teenage idol.
The lyrics of “Hello Mary Lou” paint a picture of a young man’s longing for his sweetheart. He expresses his deep affection and admiration for her, while also acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship. The song’s chorus, with its repetitive and memorable phrase “Hello Mary Lou, hello Mary Lou, goodbye to you,” serves as a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of love and loss.
“Hello Mary Lou” was more than just a popular song; it was a cultural phenomenon. The song’s popularity helped to shape the sound of rock and roll and paved the way for future generations of musicians. Nelson’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level made him a beloved figure in the music industry, and “Hello Mary Lou” remains a testament to his enduring legacy.
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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