Mary's Joint
Mary J. Blige Lyrics


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Oh, no no no...

I know
That you're just a man
But you're all the man I need
And I know
That you care and you'll never leave
No, you'll never leave

I love you so
I can't let go
You know it's real
The way I feel
I want to stay
I'll try to wait
On you my dear
My love's sincere

You promised
That you never would cheat or lie
Lie to me, don't lie to me babe
And you promised
That you'd trust and believe in me
Please believe in me

Unnecessary pain (pain is pain)
Now tell me who would get the pain
(You know it hurts)
If we should go astray
What would we do
What would we say

I love you so
I can't let go
You know it's real
The way I feel
I want to stay
I'll try to wait
On you my dear
My love's sincere

I love you so
I can't let go
You know it's real
The way I feel
I want to stay
I'll try to wait
On you my dear
My love's sincere

I wanna stay
You know I'll wait

I wanna stay
I'll try to wait on you, my dear
Baby you know, Baby you know
Baby you know, Baby you know
I wanna stay forever and a day

Oh, I love you
Oh, I need you
Everything is gonna be alright

You know I'll try to wait
I love you baby, love you baby yeahhh

Why can't we work it out
Why baby? can't we try (why, why, why, why, why)
You said our love would always stand the test of time

Let's take our time
Let's build our love
Stronger than it ever was

I love you so
I can't let go
You know it's real
The way I feel
I want to stay
I'll try to wait
On you my dear
My love's sincere

I love you so
I can't let go
You know it's real
The way I feel
I want to stay
I'll try to wait




On you my dear
My love's sincere

Overall Meaning

In "Mary's Joint," Mary J. Blige sings about her love for a man, touching on themes of trust and commitment. The song is a testament to her devotion, as she proclaims that he is "all the man I need" and that she will eagerly wait for him. While acknowledging that he is capable of mistakes, she believes that he is sincere in his love for her and would never intentionally hurt her. She demands honesty in their relationship, asserting that "you promised that you'd trust and believe in me," and emphasizing that "unnecessary pain" is something they should avoid at all costs. Ultimately, though, she is deeply committed to staying by his side, hoping to build a love that is stronger than anything that could come between them.


One of the interesting things about "Mary's Joint" is that it was part of Mary J. Blige's breakthrough album, "My Life," which was released in 1994. The album was widely praised and was seen as a reflection of the struggles and pain that Blige had experienced in her own life up to that point. The song was co-written by Blige herself, along with legendary producers Puff Daddy and Chucky Thompson, who helped shape the sound of R&B in the 1990s.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, no no no...
Blige opens the song with expressing her feelings to the listener, pleading the case to why they cannot leave.


I know
Blige acknowledges that the listener is human and fallible.


That you're just a man
Blige emphasizes the listener's humanity.


But you're all the man I need
Blige reassures the listener of their importance in her life.


And I know
Blige asserts her belief in the listener's commitment to staying with her.


That you care and you'll never leave
Blige states her trust in the listener's dedication to her.


No, you'll never leave
Blige confidently repeats her belief that the listener is in this for the long haul.


I love you so
Blige declares her love for the listener.


I can't let go
Blige indicates her unwillingness to let go of the relationship with the listener.


You know it's real
Blige emphasizes the authenticity of her feelings for the listener.


The way I feel
Blige reiterates the genuine nature of her emotions.


I want to stay
Blige expresses her desire to stay in the relationship with the listener.


I'll try to wait
Blige identifies her willingness to be patient and wait for the listener.


On you my dear
Blige specifies the person to whom she is speaking.


My love's sincere
Blige makes it clear that her love is authentic and heartfelt.


You promised
Blige reminds the listener of their past commitment.


That you never would cheat or lie
Blige highlights the fact that the listener had promised to remain loyal and honest.


Lie to me, don't lie to me babe
Blige underscores the importance of honesty in the relationship.


And you promised
Blige restates the listener's pledge.


That you'd trust and believe in me
Blige reminds the listener that trust is key to making their relationship work.


Please believe in me
Blige appeals to the listener's faith and trust.


Unnecessary pain (pain is pain)
Blige acknowledges the hurt that can come from infidelity or dishonesty in a relationship.


Now tell me who would get the pain
Blige asks a rhetorical question about who would bear the brunt of that pain.


(You know it hurts)
Blige suggests that both partners would suffer in the event of a breach of trust.


If we should go astray
Blige considers the possibility of the relationship breaking down.


What would we do
Blige questions what they would do if that happened.


What would we say
Blige ponders what they would say to each other if the relationship ended.


I wanna stay
Blige reiterates her desire to remain in the relationship.


You know I'll wait
Blige affirms her willingness to be patient and wait for the listener.


Baby you know, Baby you know
Blige repeats that the listener is aware of her feelings and her commitment to the relationship.


I wanna stay forever and a day
Blige makes it clear that this is a long-term commitment.


Oh, I love you
Blige reiterates her feelings for the listener.


Oh, I need you
Blige indicates her dependence on the listener.


Everything is gonna be alright
Blige reassures the listener that everything will be okay as long as they are together.


Why can't we work it out
Blige wonders why they are having difficulties in their relationship.


Why baby? Can't we try (why, why, why, why, why)
Blige implores the listener to put in the effort to save their relationship.


You said our love would always stand the test of time
Blige reminds the listener of their past promises to each other.


Let's take our time
Blige suggests that they take things slowly so they can work through any issues.


Let's build our love
Blige encourages the listener to work with her to strengthen their relationship.


Stronger than it ever was
Blige specifies that they must build a stronger relationship than in the past.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CARL THOMPSON, SEAN COMBS, MARY BLIGE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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