Karlzen’s career began in 1992 when an indie label owner offered to record … Read Full Bio ↴Karlzen’s career began in 1992 when an indie label owner offered to record her first album, “Mary Karlzen.” It was released regionally and established her as a unique new talent. Soon after, Atlantic Records signed her just as a wave of new female acts like Sheryl Crow and Jewel were exploding on the music scene. “Yelling at Mary” received outstanding reviews from The Washington Post, People Magazine, Musician Magazine, The Chicago Sun-Times, Billboard and dozens of other publications. Her music videos were on regular rotation on VH1, CMT and The Nashville Network. She also played shows with artists like Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Nanci Griffith and many others.

She toured the US and Canada for over a year to promote the album and received airplay on the top AAA radio stations, but all her hard work wasn’t enough. Without the full support of Atlantic, she left in 1996. Determined never to allow anyone else control over her musical destiny again, Karlzen returned to indie status for 2000’s Dim the Watershed. Soon after, she began recording The Wanderlust Diaries with no record company on the horizon. Dualtone, however, decided to take an interest. After hearing ‘The Diaries’ they embraced her artistic vision and welcomed her into their musical family in the Spring of 2006. “I felt like they really got this music and me too,” she says. And now, Before she knew it, Karlzen was slipping away from her home town of Milwaukee to Nashville, to record with producer Jansen Press and the finest musicians Music City had to offer. Those musicians include Garry Tallent (The E- Street Band), John Deaderick (The Dixie Chicks), Ken Coomer (Wilco), Matthew Ryan and Garrison Starr. And now Karlzen returns with her long-awaited fifth album, “The Wanderlust Diaries.”

Wish You Well
Mary Karlzen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here we go once again
And this time around
I won't fight the end
You and I hada time
Divided up by tragedy left behind
Chorus
And there's an empty room in my heart
I'll keep here

And your memory will
Always be safe there
One dream I will never sell
But this time around my friend
I wish you well
Memories come back at night
Take me back
To a better time in mind
Afternoons in the yard
Safe and warm
Late afternoon call from home
And now I'm home

Chorus
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Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mary Karlzen's song "Wish You Well" exemplify the nostalgic comfort of memories and the acceptance of letting go. The singer acknowledges that their relationship with someone, possibly a romantic partner or close friend, has come to an end due to a tragic event. However, despite the pain and weight of the past, they strive to move forward by wishing the other person well on their own journey. The singer treasures the memories they have shared, but recognizes that they cannot hold onto them forever, as they reminisce about the "afternoons in the yard" and the "late afternoon call from home."

The chorus of the song reinforces the idea of acknowledgement and closure. The singer creates an empty, safe room in their heart to hold onto the memories of the past, while recognizing that life moves on and things change. This time, however, they prioritize the wellness of the other person, wishing them the best on their own journey, while still holding onto their own dream that they will never let go of. The lyrics of "Wish You Well" are an honest portrayal of the complexity of human relationships and the challenges of letting go, but also present a mature perspective on healing and growth.

Line by Line Meaning

Here we go once again
Starting another cycle of pain and heartbreak

And this time around
Accepting the inevitable end of the relationship

I won't fight the end
Deciding to let go and move on

You and I had a time
Remembering the good times spent together

Divided up by tragedy left behind
Separated by the pain and loss that occurred

Chorus
Repeating the refrain that speaks of a heart that's still healing

And there's an empty room in my heart
Feeling hollow inside, like a part of her is missing

I'll keep here
Holding onto the memory of her lost love

And your memory will
Remembering the past, but not dwelling on it

Always be safe there
Keeping those memories protected and cherished

One dream I will never sell
Holding onto a hope for the future