The project first began in 1979 as a solo project for Joanne McDuffy, backup vocalist for singer and producer Rick James, whom she had supported on several tours. James developed tracks with McDuffy and session vocalists the Water Sisters, creating the "Mary Jane Girls" sound. Motown offered James a contract for what it believed was the girl group he wanted to produce; not wanting to lose the deal, James lied and told Motown that the Mary Jane Girls were a group and not McDuffy's solo project. Rick got whoever he could to provide photographs to Motown. McDuffy continued to sing lead and background with the Water Sisters for all Mary Jane Girl recordings and the band sang for the group with McDuffy on tour. It is commonly believed, though not confirmed, that the group was so named due to Rick James' affinity for marijuana; a common alternate term for the substance is "Mary Jane."
Their self-titled debut album, Mary Jane Girls was released in 1983, reaching #56 on the Billboard 200, and #6 in the Top Hip-Hop/R&B charts. The album's four singles, "Candy Man", "All Night Long", "Boys" and "Jealousy" all charted. In 1985, their sophomore effort, Only Four You, was released; the single "In My House" became the group's biggest single, reaching #7 on the Billboard 200. Shortly before the release of the album, Bailey left the group and was replaced by Marine.
The only song recorded by the Mary Jane Girls not composed by Rick James was "Walk Like a Man". A cover version of the famous song by The Four Seasons featured on the soundtrack for the film A Fine Mess, this turned out to be the Mary Jane Girls' last single, reaching #41 on the Billboard 2000. In the meantime, Rick James had a falling out with Motown, eventually resulting in the dissolution of the Mary Jane Girls in 1987.
Girlfriend
Mary Jane Girls Lyrics
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'Cause I know she's been such a good friend
I know she has helped you through
Talkin' late on the phone
Every night you've been callin'
Private moments alone
And your heart soon be fallin'
But I can't shake the feeling
That I could be losing your heart
I think I'm jealous of your girlfriend
Although she's just a girl that is your friend
I think I'm jealous of your girlfriend
She shares a special part of you
You said that she's one well to see
How deep you're in love with me
And intentions were not to get in between
But I see possibilities
And you say that you feel
I'm the best thing in your life
And I know it's real, I see it in your eyes
There's no reason for me to even feel this way
I know you just enjoy her company
I think I'm jealous of your girlfriend
Although she's just a girl that is your friend
I think I'm jealous of your girlfriend
She shares a special part of you
The Mary Jane Girls’ hit song “Girlfriend” explores the emotional turmoil of a woman who is struggling with feelings of jealousy towards her partner’s female friend. In the first verse, the singer admits that she recognizes that the other woman has been a supportive presence in her partner’s life. However, she is unable to confidently shake off her growing jealousy as she has noticed that they talk late into the night and share private moments. Despite acknowledging the depth of their friendship, the singer fears that their closeness may cause her to lose her partner’s heart.
In the second verse, the singer admits that her jealousy is unfounded, as her partner has expressed his love for her and reassured her that she is the best thing that has ever happened to him. However, she cannot help but feel envious of the other woman who shares a unique bond with her partner. She acknowledges that her partner’s intentions are innocent, but she still sees possibilities. The chorus repeats the singer’s jealousy towards the other woman, acknowledging that the woman may just be a close friend but still possesses a special part of her partner’s heart.
Overall, “Girlfriend” is a relatable anthem for anyone who has felt the sting of jealousy in a relationship, regardless of the circumstances. It explores the complexities of human emotions, including the irrationality of jealousy which can stem from fear of losing someone and the vulnerability it creates.
Line by Line Meaning
May be silly for me to feel this way about you and her
I understand that it may seem unreasonable for me to feel envious of your friendship with her
'Cause I know she's been such a good friend
I acknowledge that she has been a supportive friend to you
Talkin' late on the phone
You have been conversing with her at all hours
Every night you've been callin'
You have been calling her every night
Private moments alone
You have been spending private moments with her
And your heart soon be fallin'
I fear that you may fall for her soon
And I know she's a friend
I understand that she is just a friend to you
But I can't shake the feeling
However, I can't help feeling this way
That I could be losing your heart
I fear that I may lose your love to her
I think I'm jealous of your girlfriend
I admit that I am envious of your friendship with her
Although she's just a girl that is your friend
Even though I am aware that she is merely a friend
She shares a special part of you
I acknowledge that she occupies a unique place in your life
You said that she's one well to see
You have mentioned that she is perceptive enough to understand your deep love for me
How deep you're in love with me
You have expressed the depth of your love for me
And intentions were not to get in between
You have assured me that your intentions were not to come between us
But I see possibilities
However, I notice the possibility of her coming between us
And you say that you feel
You have expressed to me that you feel
I'm the best thing in your life
That I am the most important thing in your life
And I know it's real, I see it in your eyes
I am certain that your love is genuine, as I can see it in your eyes
There's no reason for me to even feel this way
I acknowledge that there is no valid reason for me to feel envious of your friendship with her
I know you just enjoy her company
I understand that you simply enjoy her company
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alicia J. Augello-Cook, Jermaine Dupri, Joshua Thompson, Raymond Jones, Robert F. Diggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind