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.
You Are My Heaven
Mary Jane Girls Lyrics
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And let your wings touch every part of me
One kiss for luck and we can start this trip together
(Ooh...ooh...ooh...)
You inspire my desires
(Come on and take me a little higher)
You are my heaven (Heaven)
Right here on earth to me
Ooh...ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...
You are my heaven (Heaven)
That’s how it’s gonna be
Tonight I put my womanly pride aside
You’re such an angel, there’s no need to hide
I feel so warm and safe within your arms so tender
(Ooh...ooh...ooh...)
You inspire my desires
(Come on and take me a little higher)
Ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...ooh...
You are my heaven (Heaven)
Right here on earth with me
Woo...ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...
You are my heaven (Heaven)
That’s how it’s gonna be
Ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...
(Heaven)
And that’s the way it should be
Woo...ooh...ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...
You are my heaven (Heaven)
And that’s the way it should be
Kiss me once and then fly away
My angel, goodbye
The song "You Are My Heaven" by Mary Jane Girls is a love song with a soulful tone that speaks about the transcendence of love. The lyrics convey how the love between the two people is so powerful that it can lift them up to a new level, allowing them to touch the sky together. The singer expresses her devotion and admiration for her beloved, who represents her heaven on earth. The song is filled with metaphors and imagery that evoke the feelings of love and happiness.
In the first verse of the song, the singer declares that she is going to reach new heights with her beloved. She wants to explore every aspect of their love and let it spread its wings. The second verse shows her vulnerability and how her beloved's angelic traits make her feel secure and protected. The chorus repeats how the beloved is the singer's heaven on earth and how things should remain.
The pre-chorus and chorus are catchy and illustrate the power and beauty of the love shared by the two individuals. The bridge, which says “Kiss me once and then fly away/ My angel, goodbye,” feels bittersweet, conveying how the lovers must part ways, but their love will remain forever.
Overall, "You Are My Heaven" exhibits Mary Jane Girls' musical skills and superb vocal harmonies, evoking a sense of innate joy and emotional contentment. It's a romantic song that speaks to the hearts of those who feel the joy of being loved.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight I’m gonna touch the sky with you
Tonight, I am going to reach new heights with you.
And let your wings touch every part of me
Let your impact be felt in every aspect of my life.
One kiss for luck and we can start this trip together
A kiss for good luck to start our journey together.
Ooh...ooh...ooh...
You inspire my desires
(Come on and take me a little higher)
You are the one who motivates me to pursue my aspirations.
Ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...ooh...
You are my heaven (Heaven)
Right here on earth to me
You are my paradise right here on earth, only for me.
Ooh...ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...
You are my heaven (Heaven)
That’s how it’s gonna be
Nothing is going to change, you are still my heaven.
Tonight I put my womanly pride aside
You’re such an angel, there’s no need to hide
I feel so warm and safe within your arms so tender
I am letting go of my ego as you are an angel and I feel secure and loved in your gentle embrace.
Woo...ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...
You are my heaven (Heaven)
That’s how it’s gonna be
Nothing is going to change, you are still my heaven.
Ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...
(Heaven)
And that’s the way it should be
It is only right that you remain my heaven.
Woo...ooh...ooh...ooh... (You are my heaven) ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...
You are my heaven (Heaven)
And that’s the way it should be
It is only right that you remain my heaven.
Kiss me once and then fly away
My angel, goodbye
Give me one last kiss before you go, my angel.
Contributed by Josiah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.