Mary Jane
Morissette (Alanis) Lyrics
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As you place the don't disturb sign on the door
You lost your place in line again, what a pity
You never seem to want to dance anymore
It's a long way down
On this roller coaster
The last chance streetcar
And you're on it
I hear you're counting sheep again, Mary Jane
What's the point of trying to dream anymore
I hear you're losing weight again, Mary Jane
Do you ever wonder who you're losing it for
Well it's full speed, baby
In the wrong direction
There's a few more bruises
If that's the way
You insist on heading
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Are you happy
Please don't censor your tears
You're the sweet crusader
And you're on your way
You're the last great innocent
And that's why I love you
So take this moment, Mary Jane, and be selfish
Worry not about the cars that go by
'Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom
So keep warm my dear, keep dry
Tell me
Tell me
What's the matter, Mary Jane?
Tell me
Tell me
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Tell me
The lyrics to "Mary Jane" by Alanis Morissette present a complex view of a troubled individual. At the outset, the lines, "What's the matter, Mary Jane? You had a hard day," set a sympathetic tone. The listener gets the sense that Mary Jane is someone who is having a tough time and needs someone to talk to. However, as the song progresses, the lyrics reveal the extent of Mary Jane's personal struggles. She has lost her place in line, she never wants to dance anymore, she is counting sheep, and she is losing weight. These details suggest depression, anxiety, and a loss of joy in life.
The refrain, "It's a long way down on this roller coaster," suggests that Mary Jane's problems are serious and that she is on a difficult journey. The second verse is particularly hard-hitting, with the lines "Well, it's full speed, baby, in the wrong direction/There's a few more bruises if that's the way you insist on heading." These lines underscore the idea that Mary Jane is headed for trouble but may not be able to see it.
Throughout the song, the singer urges Mary Jane to be honest with herself and with others. The final lines are particularly poignant: "Tell me, tell me/What's the matter, Mary Jane?/Tell me, tell me/Please be honest, Mary Jane/Tell me." The repetition of "tell me" underscores the desire to understand and connect with Mary Jane. Overall, "Mary Jane" is a song about the power of honesty, even in the face of difficult personal challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the matter, Mary Jane? You had a hard day
Alanis asks Mary Jane what's wrong after a tough day
As you place the don't disturb sign on the door
Mary Jane wants some alone time
You lost your place in line again, what a pity
Mary Jane is feeling unlucky lately
You never seem to want to dance anymore
Mary Jane doesn't have the energy or desire to dance
It's a long way down
Things seem tough for Mary Jane
On this roller coaster
Life can be up and down, like a roller coaster ride
The last chance streetcar
Opportunities may be running out for Mary Jane
Went off the track
The opportunity has failed or gone wrong for Mary Jane
And you're on it
Mary Jane is caught up in the failed opportunity
I hear you're counting sheep again, Mary Jane
Mary Jane is having trouble sleeping
What's the point of trying to dream anymore
She is feeling hopeless and doesn't see the point in dreaming
I hear you're losing weight again, Mary Jane
Mary Jane is losing weight, potentially due to stress or other issues
Do you ever wonder who you're losing it for
Alanis questions Mary Jane's reasons for losing weight
Well it's full speed, baby
Things are moving quickly for Mary Jane
In the wrong direction
However, she is headed down the wrong path
There's a few more bruises
Mary Jane has been hurt or damaged by the path she's on
If that's the way
Despite this, she is determined to continue down this path
You insist on heading
Mary Jane is making the decision to continue going forward
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Alanis wants Mary Jane to share her true feelings
Are you happy
Alanis is concerned for Mary Jane's wellbeing and asks if she's happy
Please don't censor your tears
Alanis encourages Mary Jane to openly express her emotions
You're the sweet crusader
Alanis admires Mary Jane's strong spirit and determination
And you're on your way
Mary Jane is making progress towards her goals
You're the last great innocent
Despite her struggles, Mary Jane remains pure and hopeful
And that's why I love you
Alanis loves Mary Jane for her strength and purity of spirit
So take this moment, Mary Jane, and be selfish
Alanis advises Mary Jane to focus on herself for a change
Worry not about the cars that go by
Mary Jane should not be distracted by external factors
'Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom
Alanis encourages Mary Jane to focus on her own personal freedom and wellbeing
So keep warm my dear, keep dry
Alanis wishes Mary Jane comfort and safety
Tell me
Tell me
What's the matter, Mary Jane?
Alanis repeats her question, urging Mary Jane to share her troubles
Tell me
Tell me
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Alanis is persistent in her desire for Mary Jane to be truthful about how she's feeling
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Glen Ballard, Alanis Nadine Morissette
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind