The song's beat is sampled from the song "Genius of Love" by American band Tom Tom Club. "Games" by Chuckii Booker was also sampled, as well as fragments from "UFO" by ESG, Cerrone's "Rocket in the Pocket", and "Feel The Heartbeat" by The Treacherous Three.
Larry Flick from Billboard felt that UK crooner Mark Morrison "energizes a deflated U.S. R&B scene" with the song, noting that he "shows international promise with fresh lyrics and vocals, and classic soul production reminiscent of R&B's '80s heyday." Matt Diehl from Entertainment Weekly remarked that Morrison "comes off more like a funked-up Seal, promising revenge to a deceitful lover in a warbly croon. The end result is an odd but infectious new-jack-swing variation on "Hey Joe", buoyed by bubbly beats and the insistent title refrain." Another editor, Leah Greenblatt described the track as a "new-jackalicious breakup jam". Tom Ewing of Freaky Trigger noted that "the music certainly has his back – the rubbery basslines cocooning the song, the satisfying crunch of the drums, the light keyboard touches helping Morrison glide along his comeback trail." He added that it "is a pleasure to listen to, a well-tailored suit of sound."
Caroline Sullivan from The Guardian concluded in her album review, "He plays the sunglasses-at-night role to perfection on the album's title (and best) track". A reviewer from Music Week rated it four out of five, adding that the singer "looks to maintain the momentum of his hit Crazy with another assured mix of R&B and ragga." Ralph Tee from the magazine's RM Dance Update gave it five out of five, writing, "This simply is every bit as good as what you would get from an American R&B act on a major label — and the song's better than most of what's coming out from across the pond of late." He added further, "The urban street production is a perfect vehicle for Mark's Jamaica-style tinged soul vocal on a song that deserves to be a smash, or an anthem at the very least."
"Return of the Mack" was very successful on the charts on several continents, peaking at number-one on both the RPM Dance/Urban chart in Canada and the Billboard Rhythmic chart in the United States. In Europe, it hit number-one in the United Kingdom in its sixth week at the UK Singles Chart, on 14 April 1996. The single spent two weeks at the top position. It made it into the top 10 also in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland (number two), the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden (number two) and Switzerland, as well as on the Eurochart Hot 100. Outside Europe, "Return of the Mack" also reached number-one in Zimbabwe, number two in Australia and on the Billboard Hot 100, behind "MMMBop" by Hanson. In New Zealand, it peaked at number three, while peaking at number 17 on the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada. The single earned a gold record in France and Germany, and a platinum record in Australia, New Zealand and the US. In the UK, it was awarded with a 2× platinum record.
The accompanying music video for "Return of the Mack" was directed by British director Jake Nava. It begins with Morrison arriving in London by plane in the evening. In his car (A silver Mercedes-Benz SL-Class) towards the city, he starts singing. He has flashbacks of himself and his girlfriend, now ex. The car then stops in front of his ex and her new boyfriend standing by the street. The singer sings as he watches the new couple. Later he arrives at an underground club and hands the DJ a record which is immediately played. Shortly afterwards, the ex shows up in the club with her new guy. Standing in the crowd of dancing people, Morrison sings towards his ex. Then he sits down at a desk, inside an office. The ex comes in and sits down. They are confronting each other, and she ends up getting up, letting the chair fall as she leaves, looking at Morrison with a regretful face. The video ends with a close-up of Morrison sitting in the office in thoughts, while he smiles to the camera.
The cheating girlfriend is played by then unknown model Suzannah Agrippa miming to a featured vocal performance by Angie Brown. Numerous other extras were friends of the director.
In 2007, Stylus Magazine ranked it number 40 on its list of the "Top 50 One-Hit Wonders", stating that "over plush keyboards, fake turntable scratches, and a rhythm track that will be around 'til time immemorial, Morrison relates his griefs with an ex who he’s returned to—what? Gloat in her face? Point out he’s still surviving, even thriving? Nope, he’s really returned to show what sleek R&B grooves and odd vocal cadences he’s developed since being dumped."
In 2012, Porcys listed "Return of the Mack" at number 71 in their ranking of "100 Singles 1990-1999". In 2017, BuzzFeed listed it at number 48 in their list of "The 101 Greatest Dance Songs of the '90s". In 2019, Billboard placed it at number 102 in their ranking of "Billboard's Top Songs of the '90s". wow this is a lot for an 'ok'' song..
Return of the Mack
Mark Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well I tried to tell you so (yes, I did)
But I guess you didn't know
As the saddest story goes
Baby, now I got the flow
'Cause I knew it from the start
Baby, when you broke my heart
(You lied to me) all those times I said that I loved you
(You lied to me) yes, I tried, yes, I tried
(You lied to me) even though you know I'd die for you
(You lied to me) yes, I cried, yes, I cried
(Return of the Mack) there it is
(Return of the Mack) come on
(Return of the Mack) oh my God
(You know that I'll be back) here I am
(Return of the Mack) once again
(Return of the Mack) top of the world
(Return of the Mack) watch my flow
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
So I'm back up in the game (hustlin' snow)
Running things to keep my swing (all night long)
Letting all the people know
That I'm back to run the show
'Cause what you did, you know was wrong
And all the nasty things you've done (oh, oh, oh)
So, baby, listen carefully
While I sing my come-back song
(You lied to me) 'cause she said she'd never turn on me
(You lied to me) but you did, but you did
(You lied to me) all these pains you said I'd never feel
(You lied to me) but I do, but I do, do, do
(Return of the Mack) there it is
(Return of the Mack) hold on
(Return of the Mack) don't you know?
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
(Return of the Mack) oh, little girl
(Return of the Mack) once my pearl
(Return of the Mack) up and down
(You know that I'll be back) round and round
Uh, Mark stop lying about your big break
(You lied to me) 'cause she said she'd never turn on me
(You lied to me) but you did, but you did
(You lied to me) all this pain you said I'd never feel
(You lied to me) but I do, but I do, do, do
(Return of the Mack) there it is
(Return of the Mack) come on
(Return of the Mack) oh my god
(You know that I'll be back) here I am
(Return of the Mack) once again
(Return of the Mack) top of the world
(Return of the Mack) watch my flow
(You know that I'll be back) don't you know?
(Return of the Mack) there it is
(Return of the Mack) hold on
(Return of the Mack) be strong
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
(Return of the Mack) my little girl
(Return of the Mack) once my pearl
(Return of the Mack) up and down
(You know that I'll be back)
"Return of the Mack" is a song by British artist Mark Morrison, released in 1996. In the song, the singer is back after a failed relationship, boasting his success and letting his ex-girlfriend know that he's now in control. He knew from the start that he had to come back and show her that he's still the real deal, and that she lied to him despite his love for her. Consequently, he sings his comeback song, describing how he's back in the game and running things all night long.
The lyrics of "Return of the Mack" are an anthem for anyone who has ever overcome a failed relationship or wants to show their ex that they've moved on. The song is about self-confidence, perseverance, and comeback, and how the singer overcomes feelings of anger, frustration, and humiliation to get back on top. The song's upbeat melody, catchy chorus, and Morrison's soulful vocals make it a timeless classic that has been remixed and referenced by several artists over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh-oh-oh, come on, oh yeah
Introduction to the song with a hype and upbeat tone
Well I tried to tell you so (yes, I did)
I warned you about your behavior
But I guess you didn't know
You were ignorant and unaware
As the saddest story goes
Your actions led to a tragic ending
Baby, now I got the flow
I'm confident and in control
'Cause I knew it from the start
I had a feeling this would happen
Baby, when you broke my heart
Your actions caused me emotional pain
That I had to come again and show you that I'm real
I'll prove to you that I'm genuine and authentic
(You lied to me) all those times I said that I loved you
You were dishonest despite my love for you
(You lied to me) yes, I tried, yes, I tried
I made an effort to make things work despite your lies
(You lied to me) even though you know I'd die for you
I would have sacrificed everything for you, yet you still lied
(You lied to me) yes, I cried, yes, I cried
Your lies brought me to tears
(Return of the Mack) there it is
I'm back and better than ever
(Return of the Mack) come on
Join me in celebration
(Return of the Mack) oh my God
This moment is unbelievable
(You know that I'll be back) here I am
I told you I would return and I have
(Return of the Mack) once again
I've made my comeback
(Return of the Mack) top of the world
I'm on top of my game
(Return of the Mack) watch my flow
Observe my skills and expertise
(You know that I'll be back) here I go
I'm ready for my next move
So I'm back up in the game (hustlin' snow)
I'm back in business and making moves (this line could also refer to drug dealing)
Running things to keep my swing (all night long)
I'm in charge and keeping things going smoothly (alluding to sex or drug dealing)
Letting all the people know
I'm making sure everyone is aware
That I'm back to run the show
I'm here to take control
'Cause what you did, you know was wrong
You were in the wrong for what you did
And all the nasty things you've done (oh, oh, oh)
Your actions were cruel and malicious
So, baby, listen carefully
Pay attention to what I'm saying
While I sing my come-back song
I'm using music to express my emotions and triumph
(Return of the Mack) there it is
Once again, I've made my comeback
(Return of the Mack) hold on
Take a moment to appreciate the moment
(Return of the Mack) don't you know?
Don't act like you didn't see this coming
(Return of the Mack) my little girl
An endearing term for someone special (could be a child, lover, or friend)
(Return of the Mack) once my pearl
Another term of endearment for someone special
(Return of the Mack) up and down
I've experienced ups and downs, but I'm back at the top
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sentric Music
Written by: Mark Anthony Joseph Morrison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kanaeRobles
In the song, Mark Morrison sings about coming back after a failed relationship and confidently asserting that he's now a better person and will no longer tolerate being mistreated. He expresses a newfound sense of self-worth and warns his former lover that they'll regret letting him go.
@bmxsickness1975
Exactly what I'm going thru at this very moment. I'm struggling but I'm growing stronger and in growing stronger my life is beginning to have more meaning again.
@GlenJohnson-j5e
thank u so much for explaining the obvious. u have surely helped those without working ears trying to listen to the songs lyrics u are doing the lords work helping idiots everywhere. praise be walloper
@Zarroxius
@@GlenJohnson-j5estop being so miserable damn
@batboy020876
No kidding you freaking idiot we know the song did you really think you needed to explain it to everybody Good Lord talk about stupid
@polaunderpan
@@GlenJohnson-j5eunnecessary paragraph
@UnreleasedUnderratedRnBgrooves
This song ages like fine wine. Keeps gettin' hotter & hotter with age.
@timothyteat1450
Unreleased/Underrated R&B Grooves you dang right!!
@chrisbandicoot9552
This song isn't getting better, it's just that new music is getting worse. This song is fire though.
@brycerodriguez5550
YANG 2020 !!!!