Guy is known for his showmanship; for example, he plays with drumsticks and walks into the audience whilst playing, the latter being a gimmick he picked up from a local blues guitarist at an early age (joining or leaping into the audience has also long been common in both American popular and gospel music, as in the earlier work of Big Jay McNeely or the Dixie Hummingbirds).
Guy grew up in Louisiana where he learned to play guitar. In the early 1950s he began performing with bands in Baton Rouge. Soon after moving to Chicago in 1957, Guy fell under the influence of "Mighty" Muddy Waters. In 1958 he won a record contract with Artistic Records after beating the West Side guitarists Magic Sam and Otis Rush in a "Head Cutting Contest" at the Blue Flame Club. Soon afterwards he recorded for the Cobra label.
In the early 1960s, Guy was a session guitarist for Chess Records. He recorded on Junior Wells sessions for Delmark Records under the pseudonym Friendly Chap in 1965 and 1966. His career took off during a blues revival period in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was sparked by Eric Clapton's request that Guy be part of the '24 nights' all-star blues guitar lineup at London's Royal Albert Hall and Guy's subsequent signing with Silvertone Records.
Mary Ann
Buddy Guy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, you know you sure look fine
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, I love you all the time
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, I said baby don't you know
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, I said baby don't you know
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, you know I love you so
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, can I take you home tonight
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, I'll make everything all right
These lyrics from Buddy Guy's song 'Mary Ann' expresses his admiration and love for a woman named Mary Ann. The repetition of the lyrics "Well now, ol' Mary Ann, you know you sure look fine" emphasizes his compliments towards her appearance, suggesting that she is attractive and physically appealing. The line "I love you all the time" reveals that his love for her is constant and never-ending.
In the following verse, he asks Mary Ann whether she knows how much he loves her, further emphasizing his affection towards her. The repeated use of "baby" signifies a term of endearment and portrays the intimacy in their relationship. In the final verse, he asks Mary Ann whether he can take her home and promises to make everything alright, perhaps implying that he likes to be with her and that she makes him happy.
Overall, the lyrics suggest that Buddy Guy is deeply in love with Mary Ann and finds her to be a physically attractive and emotionally fulfilling partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, you know you sure look fine
The singer expresses his admiration for Mary Ann's beauty.
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, I love you all the time
The singer expresses his love for Mary Ann and how it lasts at all times.
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, I said baby don't you know
The singer asks Mary Ann if she knows how much he loves her.
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, you know I love you so
The singer emphasizes his love for Mary Ann.
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, can I take you home tonight
The singer asks Mary Ann if he can take her home with him tonight.
Well now, ol' Mary Ann, I'll make everything all right
The singer promises Mary Ann that he can make everything alright for her if she agrees to go home with him.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
Written by: Ray Charles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind