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.
I Betcha
Mary Jane Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
You give me such love and satisfaction
It′s such a strong reaction when I'm lovin′ you
You love me in the morning and the nighttime too
I swear that I will never ever leave you
No I won't deceive you, boy, 'cause I believe you
That you′ll keep lovin′ me
And I'll keep lovin′ you
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
You told me once a girl could never keep you
Then, boy, one day I peeked you at your own jive game
I proved to you that every girl you meet is not lame
And I showed you what true love could be
I gave more love and inspiration
My sexual sensations really turned you on
That you'll keep lovin′ me
And I'll keep lovin′ you
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
I betcha, I betcha
Betcha I could you please ya
Betcha I could tease ya, baby
I betcha, I betcha
Betcha I could satisfy
Your every need, baby
I betcha, I betcha
Ooh, I betcha, baby
Ooh, I betcha, baby, yeah
I betcha, I betcha
Ooh-ooh-ooh...
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
Baby, I betcha if I want to
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
I betcha, I betcha
Betcha I could you please ya
Betcha I could tease ya, baby
I betcha, I betcha
Betcha I could satisfy
Your every need, baby
I betcha, I betcha...
The song "I Betcha" by Mary Jane Girls is a fun and flirty song about a woman expressing her confidence in her ability to win over the man she wants. The lyrics start with a bold statement: "Baby, I betcha if I want to, betcha if I want to I can make you mine." The woman asserts that she can seduce the man and make him fall for her. The chorus repeats this line in a more playful way, with the addition of "I betcha."
The verses describe the woman's strong feelings for the man and their strong physical connection. She feels satisfied and fulfilled in his arms and loves him completely. She goes on to describe how she proved to him that she was better than other women he has met and that her love for him is real. The song ends on a triumphant note, with the woman once again reasserting her power and confidence.
Overall, "I Betcha" is a fun and catchy song with a message of female empowerment and confidence. It celebrates the idea that women can be strong and assertive in pursuing what they want, particularly in matters of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, I betcha if I want to
The singer confidently asserts that she can have the person she wants
Betcha if I want to I can make you mine
She can have this person whenever she wants
You give me such love and satisfaction
The person provides her with happiness and fulfillment
It′s such a strong reaction when I'm lovin′ you
Her love for this person is intense and passionate
You love me in the morning and the nighttime too
This person loves her consistently throughout the day
I love everything you do, boy
She loves everything about this person
I swear that I will never ever leave you
She promises to never leave this person
No I won't deceive you, boy, 'cause I believe you
She won't lie to him because she trusts him
That you′ll keep lovin′ me
She expects this person to keep loving her
And I'll keep lovin′ you
She promises to keep loving him
You told me once a girl could never keep you
The person initially believed that no girl could tie him down
Then, boy, one day I peeked you at your own jive game
She caught him in his own trickery
I proved to you that every girl you meet is not lame
She showed him that there are girls worth knowing
And I showed you what true love could be
She taught him what real love looks like
I gave more love and inspiration
She provided him with more love and motivation
My sexual sensations really turned you on
She sexually attracted him
I betcha, I betcha
She is confident in herself
Betcha I could you please ya
She can make this person happy
Betcha I could tease ya, baby
She can playfully arouse him
Betcha I could satisfy
She can fulfill his needs
Your every need, baby
She can meet all of his needs
Writer(s): Rick James
Contributed by Leo R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.