About the song
“Along Comes Mary” stands as a quintessential piece of 1960s American pop, notable for its infectious melody and enigmatic lyrics. Composed by Tandyn Almer and initially performed by the Association, the song quickly ascended to popularity upon its release in March 1966. It served as the band’s breakthrough hit, preceding their debut album, *And Then… Along Comes the Association*, which followed in July of the same year.
The song’s lyrics are rich with themes that resonated deeply with the era’s youth. Sung from the perspective of a young man reflecting on his past struggles and personal flaws, the narrative takes a turn towards redemption as he extols the virtues of Mary, who brings solace and positivity into his life. Interestingly, both Leonard Bernstein and Tandyn Almer hinted at Mary being a metaphor for marijuana—a notion widely embraced by listeners of the time, adding a layer of countercultural mystique to the song.
Leonard Bernstein, in his Young People’s Concert titled *What Is a Mode?*, provided further insight into the musical composition of “Along Comes Mary,” noting its use of the Dorian mode, which contributes to its distinctive sound and mood.
The song’s enduring appeal is underscored by its reinterpretation across different musical genres and eras. American rock band Bloodhound Gang notably infused “Along Comes Mary” with a punk rock sensibility for the soundtrack of the 1998 film *Half Baked* and later included it on their album *Hooray for Boobies* in 1999. This rendition garnered significant acclaim, achieving commercial success with top chart positions in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and earning gold certifications in Austria and Germany—an indication of its lasting impact and ability to resonate with audiences across generations.
“Along Comes Mary” remains a testament to the Association’s contribution to the vibrant musical landscape of the 1960s, capturing the zeitgeist with its blend of catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and subtle subversiveness. Its journey from a defining moment in 1960s pop to a punk-inspired anthem in the late 1990s illustrates its enduring relevance and the timeless appeal of its message.
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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 in rhyme and verse
And curse those faults in me
And then along comes Mary
And does she want to give me kicks , and be my steady chick
And give me pick of memories
Or maybe rather gather tales of 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
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
And does she want to 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 as 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
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
And does she want to see the stains, the dead remains of all the pains
She left the night before
Or will their waking 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