About Song “The Association – Along Comes Mary”
“Along Comes Mary” by The Association is a captivating and enigmatic pop-rock song that emerged during the mid-1960s. Released in 1966, the song showcases The Association’s innovative approach to harmonies, sophisticated arrangements, and enigmatic lyrical content. Here’s a closer look at this intriguing and influential track:
Musical Style:
- Eclectic Blend: “Along Comes Mary” is characterized by its eclectic musical blend, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and folk. The song features intricate vocal harmonies, a catchy melody, and a sophisticated arrangement that sets it apart in the landscape of mid-1960s music.
Lyrics and Themes:
- Ambiguous Narration: The lyrics of “Along Comes Mary” are known for their ambiguous and open-to-interpretation nature. The song’s narrator reflects on the presence of Mary, leaving room for listeners to interpret the lyrics in various ways. Some have speculated that Mary might symbolize different things, adding a layer of mystery to the song.
Vocal Harmonies:
- Harmonic Mastery: The Association was renowned for their vocal harmonies, and “Along Comes Mary” exemplifies their mastery of this aspect. The interplay of voices creates a rich and immersive sonic experience, adding to the song’s allure.
Instrumentation and Arrangement:
- Innovative Instrumentation: The arrangement of “Along Comes Mary” features a mix of traditional rock instruments and unconventional choices, such as the prominent use of a harpsichord. This innovative approach contributes to the song’s distinctive sound.
Cultural Impact:
- Chart Success: “Along Comes Mary” achieved commercial success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity solidified The Association’s place in the mid-1960s music scene and showcased their ability to create music that resonated with a wide audience.
Legacy:
- Influence on Psychedelic Pop: The song’s complex structure, enigmatic lyrics, and fusion of genres contributed to its influence on the psychedelic pop movement of the 1960s. “Along Comes Mary” remains a notable example of the era’s experimentation with both musical and lyrical conventions.
Cover Versions:
- Diverse Interpretations: Over the years, “Along Comes Mary” has been covered by various artists, showcasing its adaptability and the enduring appeal of its melody. Different interpretations have allowed the song to transcend its original release.
Conclusion: “Along Comes Mary” stands as a fascinating and influential piece of 1960s pop-rock, showcasing The Association’s musical prowess and their willingness to push boundaries. The song’s enigmatic lyrics, intricate harmonies, and innovative arrangement make it a timeless representation of the era’s musical experimentation and creativity.
Lyrics
“Along Comes Mary”
Every time I think that I’m the only one who’s lonelySomeone calls on meAnd every now and then I spend my time in rhyme and verseAnd curse those faults in meAnd 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 seesWhen we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punchWhen 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 todayAnd 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 sameWhen we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punchAnd 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 scarsAnd 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 moreWhen we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
