Cherry Ghost is a British rock band. They formed in Manchester, UK in 2005 … Read Full Bio ↴Cherry Ghost is a British rock band. They formed in Manchester, UK in 2005 and enjoy considerable airplay on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. Their debut album, Thirst For Romance, entered the UK album charts at #7. Their new album, 3 years in the making entitled "Beneath This Burning Shoreline" was released in mid 2010. Lyrically the new album weaves narratives of revenge and loss, the spectre of hope and the triumph of spirit.

In 2008 the band won a prestigious Ivor Novello award for ‘People Help The People’, a recognition of Simon Aldred’s evocative songwriting.

The band have supported Amy Winehouse, Doves, crowded house, and Smog

Mary On The Mend
Cherry Ghost Lyrics

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By rights we should have been choking
On every word the preacher had us repeat
A stiff drink and napkins in your hand bag
The first aid of a three-time divorcee

Carried you home down through the subway
Where thrills are cheap and the kids roll down walls like paint
Borrowed Gods been rubbing their backs on your window

Your summers are haunted with memories of love sick strays

Pick up your chin there's a Saint on the mend
On a burnt out estate born of bones that don't bend
Coming back stealing hearts pulling through brand fire new

Mary goes a-diving in at the deep end
At the sliding doors of the 13th floor she prays
She says night fall gently on the weekend
When tempers are high and all those frustrations displayed

Pick up your chin there's a Saint on the mend
On a burnt out estate born of bones that don't bend
Coming back stealing hearts pulling through brand fire new

Pick up your chin there's a Saint on the mend
On a burnt out estate born of bones that don't bend
Coming back stealing hearts pulling through brand fire new

I'm hit, I'm down, I'm done, I'm dusted, I'm deadbeat
I am weak as a kitten, been strapped to the tracks of a train
I have danced with the drunks
And dodged all those filthy old whispers

But baby, go give 'em hell and tell 'em
It came with a name brand fire new

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cherry Ghost's song "Mary On The Mend" are a reflection on the struggles of life and the strength it takes to keep going. The opening lines "By rights we should have been choking / On every word the preacher had us repeat" suggest the pressure and expectations society places on us. The following line "A stiff drink and napkins in your handbag / The first aid of a three-time divorcee" alludes to the coping mechanisms we develop to deal with such expectations and the fallout of our own mistakes.

The verse "Carried you home down through the subway / Where thrills are cheap and the kids roll down walls like paint" represents a moment of escape from the reality of the everyday hardships. The line "Borrowed Gods been rubbing their backs on your window / Your summers are haunted with memories of love sick strays" speaks of the fragility and fleeting nature of happiness.

The chorus "Pick up your chin there's a Saint on the mend / On a burnt out estate born of bones that don't bend / Coming back stealing hearts pulling through brand fire new" offers a glimmer of hope and suggests that despite the suffering experienced, there is still a chance to start anew and find happiness. The line "Mary goes a-diving in at the deep end" implies that facing one's fears and diving deep within oneself is necessary to overcome struggles and emerge stronger.

Overall, "Mary On The Mend" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that delves deep into the human experience and the challenges we face.

Line by Line Meaning

By rights we should have been choking
We should have been coughing and struggling to speak under the pressure of reciting religious phrases

On every word the preacher had us repeat
We were supposed to say certain lines repeatedly as directed by the preacher

A stiff drink and napkins in your hand bag
You carry a drink and tissue with you, which reflects your past experiences as a three-time divorcee

The first aid of a three-time divorcee
The drink and tissue are tools that may be used to cope with the emotional pain of having gone through three divorces

Carried you home down through the subway
You were taken back to your home via the subway

Where thrills are cheap and the kids roll down walls like paint
The subway is a place where young people act recklessly and have fun with little to no consequences

Borrowed Gods been rubbing their backs on your window
You have images and symbols of deities and other higher powers in your home

Your summers are haunted with memories of love sick strays
You often reflect on past romantic flings that were not successful or resulted in heartbreak

Pick up your chin there's a Saint on the mend
Cheer up, as there is someone who has been through tough times and is now recovering

On a burnt out estate born of bones that don't bend
This person comes from a tough background and has been resilient despite overwhelming challenges

Coming back stealing hearts pulling through brand fire new
This person is returning to the world with a renewed sense of purpose and is captivating others with their newfound confidence

Mary goes a-diving in at the deep end
Mary is a bold and daring individual who is willing to take risks

At the sliding doors of the 13th floor she prays
She carries herself with confidence even in situations where others may feel vulnerable or unsafe

She says night fall gently on the weekend
Mary sees the weekend as a time to unwind and embrace the beauty of the night time hours

When tempers are high and all those frustrations displayed
People may become short-tempered and vocal about their problems during the weekend, and Mary accepts this as part of the night life

I'm hit, I'm down, I'm done, I'm dusted, I'm deadbeat
I am feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and defeated

I am weak as a kitten, been strapped to the tracks of a train
I am particularly vulnerable and feel like I have no control over my life

I have danced with the drunks
I have spent time with people who are not necessarily good influences

And dodged all those filthy old whispers
I have had to navigate through life avoiding negative rumors and gossip spread by others

But baby, go give 'em hell and tell 'em
Despite all of these intense emotions and experiences, this is a time to find strength and stand up for oneself

It came with a name brand fire new
This new-found resolve and confidence should be embraced as a fresh start or new beginning

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ALDRED

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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