Mary Jane
Alanis Morissette Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

What's the matter, Mary Jane? You had a hard day
As you place the don't disturb sign on the door
You lost your place in line again, what a pity
You never seem to want to dance anymore

It's a long way down
On this roller coaster
The last chance streetcar
Went off the track
And you're on it

I hear you're counting sheep again, Mary Jane
What's the point of trying to dream anymore
I hear you're losing weight again, Mary Jane
Do you ever wonder who you're losing it for

Well it's full speed, baby
In the wrong direction
There's a few more bruises
If that's the way
You insist on heading

Please be honest, Mary Jane
Are you happy
Please don't censor your tears

You're the sweet crusader
And you're on your way
You're the last great innocent
And that's why I love you

So take this moment, Mary Jane, and be selfish
Worry not about the cars that go by
'Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom
So keep warm my dear, keep dry

Tell me
Tell me
What's the matter, Mary Jane?
Tell me
Tell me




Please be honest, Mary Jane
Tell me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alanis Morissette's song "Mary Jane" seem to portray the struggles of a woman who is going through a difficult time in her life. The first few lines speak to Mary Jane's exhaustion and frustration, as she puts up a "do not disturb" sign and can't seem to catch a break. The next two lines are particularly powerful, as they describe the ups and downs of life as a "roller coaster" and the feeling of being on a "last chance streetcar" that has gone off track. This creates an image of Mary Jane feeling lost and unsure of how to get back on course.


The chorus continues this theme of Mary Jane feeling like everything is in the wrong direction, as well as highlighting her struggles with sleep and weight loss. The song seems to be asking Mary Jane to be honest about her emotions and to not be ashamed of her tears. The lyrics explain that Mary Jane is a "sweet crusader" and "the last great innocent", and that she should take time to focus on her own freedom and happiness. The song ends with a plea for Mary Jane to speak honestly about what's bothering her.


Line by Line Meaning

What's the matter, Mary Jane? You had a hard day
Mary Jane, what's troubling you? You seem to have had a difficult day


As you place the don't disturb sign on the door
You're seeking alone time and don't want to be bothered


You lost your place in line again, what a pity
You've experienced another setback and it's unfortunate


You never seem to want to dance anymore
You've lost your spark and enthusiasm for life


It's a long way down
Things have spiraled downwards and it'll take time to recover


On this roller coaster
Life has been full of ups and downs


The last chance streetcar
You've missed an opportunity or made a mistake


Went off the track
It didn't go as planned


And you're on it
You're dealing with the consequences


I hear you're counting sheep again, Mary Jane
You're having trouble sleeping and trying to find ways to cope


What's the point of trying to dream anymore
You've lost hope and motivation for the future


I hear you're losing weight again, Mary Jane
You're struggling with self-esteem and body image


Do you ever wonder who you're losing it for
You're trying to please others more than yourself


Well it's full speed, baby
Life is moving at a fast pace


In the wrong direction
Things aren't going as planned and mistakes are being made


There's a few more bruises
You've experienced more pain and hurt along the way


If that's the way
Despite the challenges, you're still moving forward


You insist on heading
You're determined to keep going in the face of adversity


Please be honest, Mary Jane
Be truthful about your feelings and what's bothering you


Are you happy
Do you feel content and fulfilled in your life?


Please don't censor your tears
Don't hide your emotions or pretend everything is okay


You're the sweet crusader
You have a kind and compassionate heart


And you're on your way
You're still making progress and moving forward


You're the last great innocent
You have a pure and genuine spirit


And that's why I love you
I appreciate and admire the good qualities in you


So take this moment, Mary Jane, and be selfish
Take some time for yourself and your own needs


Worry not about the cars that go by
Don't be concerned with other people's opinions or judgments


'Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom
What's important is your ability to make choices and be yourself


So keep warm my dear, keep dry
Take care of yourself and stay safe


Tell me
Let's communicate and talk about what's going on


Please be honest, Mary Jane
It's important to be truthful and open about your feelings


Tell me
Let's keep the conversation going and work through the challenges together




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Glen Ballard, Alanis Nadine Morissette

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@khodgkayte13thejackofheart92

What’s the matter Mary Jane
Had a hard day?
Place the don’t disturb sign on your door.
I hear you’re losing weight again, d’ya ever wonder who you’re losing it for?
I see you counting sheep again
What’s the point of trying to dream anymore? đŸŽ¶
Music đŸŽŒ Genius- Alanis Morrisette.
And with a little take of my own and what I can take from this tune
.
Is keep Yourself warm
Keep yourself Dry
And be selfish sometimes do!
Don’t hit 43 after being round the block too many times and putting yourself in situations that you don’t learn from.
Love yourself enough to give love.
Enough to take back love in equal measure only.
And most importantly,
Please be honest (with yourself)
The rest You can hope đŸ™đŸŽŒFor One last time
. Can & surely will,
fall into place đŸŽ¶â€ïžâ€đŸ©čđŸŽ¶17/01/22
Day one ☝ every journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. 👣
Step 1- đŸ„‡



All comments from YouTube:

@arkady714

This woman's voice just gets you right in the heart, doesn't it!

@raychelnixxx.1035

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@therealbrandi202

This album saved me from suicide as a teen. This was my favorite song on the whole cd.

@Contra2075

That's good music can really help us all in our emotions.

@deedriver4566

Brandi Davis Glad your here to say this today

@user-qy2lt3st7g

I hope everything is okay with you right now. Live long and be happy <3

@thedame653

I can empathise with that! Glad you are still here. Alanis is a magical powerful force for good. Love her music!!!

@hootenanee29

So glad to hear that Brandi. Stay strong, you are loved :)

12 More Replies...

@eltonbatista8056

À anos que escuto essa musica ... tenho 37anos e me sinto como no colegial! Vou amar pra sempre seja lá quem for Mary Jane

@royball5262

This album saw me through a tough time in my life. Alanis's passionate worrds hit deep and her vocals are on par with Karen Carpenter....and that says a lot! .... Great sad/happy memmories!

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