Mary Mary
Hi-Five Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mary, Mary Lou
Why must you do
The things that you always do

Honey, I've been here a-crying
Sipping and a-sighing
To think it's all because of you
I know the other night you told me
You were gonna marry
Someone who's in love with you, yeah
And the time I used to
Be your golden rooster
But now I can see that we are through

Mary, Mary, Mary Lou
What in the world is the matter with you
You're always doing me so wrong

Mary, Mary, Mary Lou
What in the world is the matter with you
And know you want to say so long

Mary, Mary Lou
Why must you do
Those things that you always do

I can hear a-crying
Sipping and a-sighing
To think it's all because of you

You were gonna marry
Someone who's in love with you, yeah
And the time I used to
Be your golden rooster
But now I can see that we are through

Mary, Mary, Mary Lou
What in the world is the matter with you
You're always doing me so wrong

Mary, Mary, Mary Lou
What in the world is the matter with you
And knew you want to say so long

Mary, Mary, Mary Lou
What in the world is the matter with you




Mary, Mary, Mary Lou
What in the world is the matter with you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hi-Five's song "Mary Mary" depict a man lamenting the loss of a woman named Mary Lou, who seems to constantly mistreat him. The opening line, "Mary Mary Lou, why must you do the things that you always do," suggests that her behavior is habitual and hurtful. The chorus repeats the question "What in the world is the matter with you," indicating that the singer is bewildered by Mary Lou's actions and cannot understand why she would want to end their relationship.


The second verse reveals that Mary Lou has informed the singer that she intends to marry someone else, further compounding his heartache. The reference to the singer's previous status as Mary Lou's "golden rooster" suggests that he was once a confident and admired partner, but that those days are gone. Throughout the song, the singer's sorrow is palpable, as he cries and sighs over the loss of Mary Lou.


Though the lyrics don't offer much in the way of specifics about Mary Lou's actions, the emotion conveyed through the singer's words is relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak. The song is a poignant reminder of the pain and confusion that can come from a failed relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

Mary, Mary Lou
Addressing Mary by name


Why must you do
Questioning Mary’s behavior


The things that you always do
Wondering about Mary’s repeated actions


Honey, I’ve been here a-crying
Expressing emotional hurt and pain


Sipping and a-sighing
Imagery of a person sipping and sighing, indicating distress


To think it’s all because of you
Blaming Mary for the emotional turmoil


I know the other night you told me
Recalling a recent conversation with Mary


You were gonna marry
Mary’s intention to get married


Someone who’s in love with you, yeah
Mary’s future partner’s love for her


And the time I used to
Reminiscing about the past


Be your golden rooster
Metaphor for being Mary’s favored lover


But now I can see that we are through
Realizing the relationship is over


What in the world is the matter with you
Asking Mary what’s wrong with her


You’re always doing me so wrong
Accusing Mary of causing harm


And know you want to say so long
Implying Mary wants to end the relationship


Mary, Mary Lou
Addressing Mary by name


Why must you do
Questioning Mary’s behavior


Those things that you always do
Challenging Mary’s repeated actions


I can hear a-crying
Sensing a sound of crying


Sipping and a-sighing
Imagery of a person sipping and sighing, indicating distress


To think it’s all because of you
Blaming Mary for the emotional turmoil


Mary, Mary Lou
Addressing Mary by name


What in the world is the matter with you
Asking Mary what’s wrong with her


Mary, Mary, Mary Lou
Addressing Mary by name


What in the world is the matter with you
Asking Mary what’s wrong with her




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CAYET MANGIARACINA, PER LYNGSAAE OLSEN, GENE PITNEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions