Based on sales, Boyz II Men is one of the most successful R&B groups of all time, having recorded five #1 pop hits between 1992 and 1997. They have since topped sales of 25 million records. Three of their #1 hits, "End of the Road", "I'll Make Love to You", and "One Sweet Day" (a duet with Mariah Carey), set and broke records for the longest period of time a single remained at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Boyz II Men were originally signed to Motown Records from 1990 to 2000, at which point they were moved to parent label Universal Records. After the 2000 album Nathan Shawn Michael Wanya, Boyz II Men moved to Arista Records. In 2003, Michael McCary left the group due to chronic back problems resulting from scoliosis. As of 2005, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Nathan Morris continue to tour and record as a trio.
Mercy Mercy Me
Boyz II Men Lyrics
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Oh mercy, mercy me
Oh things ain't what they used to be, no, no
Where did all the blue skies go?
Poison is the wind that blows
From the north and south and east and so
Oh things ain't what they used to be, no, no
Oil wasted on the ocean and above our seas
Fish full of mercury
Oh mercy, mercy me
Oh things ain't what they used to be
Radiation under ground and in the sky
Animals and birds are dying
No, no, no
My, my, my, my, my, my, my, ooh
Oh mercy, mercy me
Oh things ain't what they used to be
What about this overcrowded land?
How much more abuse from man can she stand?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
My, my, my, my, my, my, my
My, my, my, my, my, my, my
Oh mercy, mercy me
Where did all the blue skies go? No, no
Radiation under ground and in the sky
Animals and birds who live nearby are dying
What about this overcrowded land?
The lyrics to Boyz II Men's "Mercy Mercy Me" cover a range of environmental concerns revolving around pollution and its effects on the earth and its creatures. The song laments the destruction of the world and the loss of beauty and innocence as a result of modern life. The singer questions where the blue skies have gone and talks about the pollution that is poisoning the earth, air, and sea. The song speaks of oil being wasted on the ocean, with fish now filled with mercury, as well as radiation being present both above and below the ground. Animals and birds are dying, and there are concerns about how much more abuse the earth can withstand from man.
In essence, the song is a call for mercy on the earth as humans wreak havoc on the planet, often without regard for the future consequences. It speaks to the need for a more conscious and compassionate way of living, one that takes into account the impact of our actions on the earth and future generations. Ultimately "Mercy Mercy Me" is a reminder that we are all responsible for the fate of our planet, and we must take action to protect it and its inhabitants.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, no, no, no, ooh
Expressing sadness, shock, and disappointment about the current state of the world
Oh mercy, mercy me
Asking for kindness, compassion, and help to address the problems in the world
Oh things ain't what they used to be, no, no
Noting how things have changed for the worse in the world and feeling nostalgic for a better time
Where did all the blue skies go?
Questioning the disappearance of clear and beautiful skies due to pollution and climate change
Poison is the wind that blows
Observing how air pollution has become pervasive and harmful to ourselves and the environment
From the north and south and east and so
Emphasizing how air pollution is not limited to one location but has become a global problem
Oil wasted on the ocean and above our seas
Noting how oil spills and other forms of ocean pollution have ruined marine life and ecosystems
Fish full of mercury
Highlighting how even the fish we eat have become contaminated with dangerous toxins
Radiation under ground and in the sky
Describing the dangers of nuclear radiation leaking into the environment and affecting living beings
Animals and birds are dying
Expressing the pain and loss of seeing wildlife and nature being destroyed due to human negligence
My, my, my, my, my, my, my, ooh
Repeating a mournful call for mercy and change, as if crying out to a higher power for help
What about this overcrowded land?
Raising awareness of the issue of overpopulation and how it puts excessive strain on natural resources
How much more abuse from man can she stand?
Questioning when the Earth will reach its limit for tolerating environmental damage caused by human actions
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Repeating in a firm and urgent tone to express the gravity and urgency of these issues
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marvin Gaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Johnnie Newkirk Jr
I really love this version. Don't get me wrong, Marvin is untouchable. However, these guys come a very, very close second. I love the runs. Excellent. What soul!
erik jimene ramire
Hermosa voces, armonía voz-melodia. Preciosa canción, letra de actualidad con conciencia ecológica. Perdón madre tierra
Clovis Oliveira
Uma musica antiga com um arranjo novo, renova nossas emoções, ouçam
Francisco Mariano
Lindo d+ um preito de carinho ao inspirado e eterno Marvin Gaye
Vicksy Nurhayati
they are blessed with their voices! Love the voice, the song, and the band :)
juan carlos guerrero marti
Es tan bonita esta cancion que cualquiera que tenga una dulce y profunda voz puede cantarla bien.
Tania 7
Porfavor versionar al dios Marvin es muy dificil y ellos ,excepcional lo hacen bien. Kiss
Hamilton Silva Rocha Rocha
QUE COISA LINDA.
Ashley P
I got chills at the harmonizing at the end. And I got super chills one time when I was looking at a full moon while listening to it~
Antonio Ednardo Santos Oliveira Santos Oliveira
Sou fã deles canta muito.