In 1986, he was among the first batch to get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "Ain't That A Shame" and "Blueberry Hill" were named part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. In 2004, "Blueberry Hill" was named #81 and "Ain't That A Shame" was named #431 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, he was named #25 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time.
In the wake of Domino's rescue from his 9th ward home during 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the Tipitina's Foundation organized a tribute album to the elder artist featuring Robert Plant, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney and numerous other acts that owe a creative debt to this seminal rock n roll pianist.
Mary Oh Mary
Fats Domino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you hear me callin you
Little Mary, my baby
Don't you hear me callin you
You got me reelin and rockin
Don't know what to do
What to do
You got me spinning like a top
I want you, I need you
You got me spinning like a top
It will stop
If you don't love me
I believe my heart will stop
I'm cryin, the sun is shinin
But its rainin in my heart
I'm cryin, the sun is shinin
But its rainin in my heart
You got me reelin and rockin
Since you and I been apart
Been apart
Little Mary, my baby
Don't you hear me callin you
Little Mary, my baby
Don't you hear me callin you
You got me reelin and rockin
Don't know what to do
What to do
Fats Domino's song Mary Oh Mary is a classic rock and roll love song that expresses the singer's yearning for his beloved Mary. The repetition of the name Mary symbolizes the singer's deep attachment to her. The verse "Little Mary, my baby / Don't you hear me callin you / You got me reelin and rockin / Don't know what to do" illustrates the intensity of the singer's emotions. He is so consumed by his love for Mary that he is unable to control his feelings and is left feeling lost and disoriented.
The line "I want you, I need you / You got me spinning like a top / It will stop / If you don't love me / I believe my heart will stop" highlights the significance of Mary in the singer's life. He cannot imagine living without her, and emphasizes that love is essential to his survival. The phrase "It will stop" emphasizes the transitory nature of life and love, which can come and go quickly.
The words "I'm cryin, the sun is shinin / But its rainin in my heart" highlights the sadness that the singer feels in Mary's absence. Regardless of the bright exterior world, the singer is consumed by his internal heartbreak. The last verse repeats the opening verse in a way that reinforces the central theme of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Little Mary, my baby
The singer addresses a girl named Mary and refers to her as his baby.
Don't you hear me callin you
The singer wonders if Mary hears him calling out to her.
You got me reelin and rockin
Mary's effect on the singer is so intense that he is emotionally unstable.
Don't know what to do
The singer feels lost and unsure of how to handle his emotions.
I want you, I need you
The singer expresses his strong desire for and dependence on Mary.
You got me spinning like a top
Mary's effect on the singer is dizzying and overwhelming.
It will stop
The singer hopes that his spinning and emotional instability will come to an end.
If you don't love me
The singer fears that Mary's lack of love for him will have dire consequences.
I believe my heart will stop
The singer's heartbreak at the thought of not being loved by Mary is intense and could cause physical harm.
I'm cryin, the sun is shinin
The singer is experiencing emotional turmoil despite the external circumstances.
But its rainin in my heart
The singer is feeling sadness and heartbreak despite the apparent happiness around him.
Since you and I been apart
The singer experiences continued emotional turmoil due to his separation from Mary.
Been apart
The singer emphasizes the duration and negative impact of his separation from Mary.
Writer(s): A. Domino, A. Downing Copyright: Kansoma Music Corporation
Contributed by Natalie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Woubi B
Fantastic