The Nancy & Mary Music
Frank Zappa Lyrics


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Everybody sing!




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Frank Zappa's The Nancy & Mary Music are cryptic and open to interpretation. The song features repeated vocal chanting of "Nancy, Nancy and Mary Music, Mary Music" with Zappa's signature guitar riffs and experimental jazz sounds. One possible interpretation is that the song refers to two different women, Nancy and Mary, who represent different aspects of music. Nancy, with her name sounding similar to "dance", could represent the rhythmic aspect of music, while Mary, with her name sounding similar to "melody", could represent the melodic aspect. The repetition of their names and the phrase "Mary Music" could be a reference to how music is made up of both rhythm and melody.


However, this interpretation is just one of many possible readings of the lyrics. The Nancy & Mary Music is a prime example of Zappa's experimental and avant-garde style, mixing jazz, rock, and other genres into a unique sound that defies categorization. The song's repeated chanting and dissonant sounds create a hypnotic and chaotic experience that feels both familiar and unfamiliar. It highlights Zappa's ability to push the boundaries of music while keeping his signature style intact.


Line by Line Meaning

We're going to tell you a story about jesse
Prepare yourselves for a narrative about Jesse


And we promise it won't bore ye
We guarantee that it will not be tedious


We're going to tell you a story
Our intention is to recount a tale


About jesse, the Compromise Candidate
The aforementioned narrative concerns Jesse, the person running for office who tries to appeal to both sides


With a bouncy bouncy
He moves in a lively manner


His supporters even say he's handsome
His followers express that he is attractive


In search of a personality
Trying to obtain a distinctive character


Lands Jesse in the Big Refried
Jesse makes it to the town with a bad reputation


Jesse couldn't believe it, he was in the hands of some crazies
Jesse had difficulty comprehending it; he was in the grasp of some mentally unstable individuals


He picked up a hot enchilada
Jesse took up a heated tortilla dish


And he burned off his hands he couldn't let go
He scorched his hands severely and unable to release it


The moral of the story?
The point in the narrative?


Take care what you eat
Be cautious of what you consume


When you're south of the border
When you find yourself in a country other than your own


Or you'll be on the porcelain throne all day
Or you'll be spending lots of time in the bathroom




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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