Marx was born to Dick and Ruth Marx. Marx grew up in a mixed faith household where father was Jewish and his mother was a Christian. His father was a jingle writer for commercials for popular products such as 'Chicken of the Sea', which is where Marx got his start writing at the tender age of five. His father also was talented jazz musician, well-known in the Chicago area.
At the age of 17, Marx created a demo to showcase his talents, which landed in the hands of soul artist Lionel Richie. Richie invited Marx to Hollywood saying, "I can't promise you anything, but you should come to L.A." Marx would eventually appear as a background singer in Richie's songs "You Are" and "Running With The Night" as well as on Richie's follow-up album, which included the smash hit "All Night Long".
*Richard Marx*
Marx's first album, a self-titled work, went multi-platinum, selling nearly 4 million copies. He also earned his first #1 single, "Hold on to the nights", which he told Songfacts.com was inspired by a friend who had the dilemma of having met the love of his life when both the friend and the girl in question were already in relationships. He also had several other top five hits including "Don’t Mean Nothing" (#3), "Should've Known Better" (#3) and "Endless Summer Nights" (#2). He later revealed in an interview on 'VH-1 Classic' that his favorite song that he performed from his first album was "Have Mercy."
*Repeat Offender*
Repeat Offender eventually moved into the #1 spot and gave Marx two more #1 hit singles.
*Rush Street*
Rush Street's "Hazard" (#1), which depicted a man's rejection in a fictional version of Hazard, Nebraska. He released Paid Vacation in 1994, Flesh & Bone in 1997, Days in Avalon in 2000 and My Own Best Enemy in 2004.
Richard Marx also sang with Donna Lewis, best known for her hit "I Love You Always Forever", on the track "At the Beginning" of the Anastasia soundtrack. He has sung background vocals for Madonna in her True Blue album.
He has served as a writer/producer for an extensive list of other recording artists, including Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand, Keith Urban, 98 Degrees, Kenny Loggins, Emerson Drive, Luther Vandross, Michael Bolton, *NSYNC, Olivia Newton-John, Sarah Brightman, SheDaisy, John Farnham and Vince Gill.
Marx has been married to Cynthia Rhodes, who starred in the 1987 blockbuster Dirty Dancing and is a former lead singer for 80s pop band Animotion, since 1989. The couple has three sons: Brandon, Lucas, and Jesse. Brandon is the eldest followed by Lucas then Jesse.
One of Marx's most recent works is a song titled "Remember When", composed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. Performed by LeAnn Rimes, the song may be heard on the park's official 50th Anniversary album, as well as selected times in the park.
Have Mercy
Richard Marx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And we're laughing in the face of loaded guns
I saw it on the news, we ain't got no worry
But it won't be in the paper when D Day comes
Lord, Have Mercy
For we know not what we do
Have Mercy
Who can solve the problems of a nation
We cure the symptoms but we're killed by the disease
I feel I've more than made my contribution
But I hope there's room in heaven for my ego and me
Lord, Have Mercy
For we know not what we do
Have Mercy
We've forgotten to be afraid of you
Have Mercy
Lend us your hand
Lord, Have Mercy
Give us just another chance
Too many coaches on the sideline
Too many keepers in the zoo
How will we know we've passed the deadline
Give us the strength to stand or fall
God in heaven, Have Mercy on us all
The ships are even closer to the shoreline
Now we're playing in a madman's house of fun
I read it in the news we ain't got no worry
But it won't be in the paper when D Day comes
Lord, Have mercy
Richard Marx’s “Have Mercy” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that tackles social and political issues, including war, terrorism, and the collective indifference of society. The first verse paints a stark image of impending doom, with ships moving ever closer to the shoreline, and people laughing in the face of loaded guns. Marx highlights the apathy of humanity towards the imminent crisis, with the line “ I saw it on the news, we ain’t got no worry, but it won’t be in the paper when D Day comes”. The subsequent lines “Lord, have mercy, for we know not what we do” and “have mercy, we’ve forgotten to be afraid of you” are a plea to a higher power for guidance and forgiveness. Marx talks about how nobody has been able to solve the problems of a nation, and how we, as a society, focus on treating symptoms and neglect the root cause. The lines “but I hope there’s room in heaven for my ego and me” reveal the arrogance and selfishness of individuals, who often prioritize their own interests over others.
The chorus of the song stresses on the need for mercy and a second chance. Marx’s voice soars as he sings “Lord, have mercy, lend us your hand, give us just another chance”. The song talks about the need for leaders who can lead with fairness and justice, and how society is in dire need of unity and teamwork. Marx’s desperate call for God’s mercy takes on a deeper meaning in the current global situation, where the world is grappling with a pandemic, climate change, and political strife.
Line by Line Meaning
Ships are moving closer to the shoreline
The threat of danger is approaching.
And we're laughing in the face of loaded guns
We are ignorantly disregarding the danger looming over us.
I saw it on the news, we ain't got no worry
News outlets are not taking the threat seriously enough, leading the public to downplay it as well.
But it won't be in the paper when D Day comes
The true extent of the danger will only be realized when it's too late.
Lord, Have Mercy
For we know not what we do
Have Mercy
We've forgotten to be afraid of you
We are asking for divine intervention because we have been reckless and foolish, forgetting to fear the consequences of our actions.
Who can solve the problems of a nation
We cure the symptoms but we're killed by the disease
I feel I've more than made my contribution
But I hope there's room in heaven for my ego and me
We feel helpless to solve the issues affecting the nation, merely treating the symptoms instead of addressing the root cause. Despite our efforts, we still cling to our egos and hope for redemption.
Lend us your hand
Give us just another chance
We are pleading for help and a second chance to make things right.
Too many coaches on the sideline
Too many keepers in the zoo
How will we know we've passed the deadline
Give us the strength to stand or fall
God in heaven, Have Mercy on us all
There are too many people who are leading and controlling the situation but not taking effective action. We are afraid of missing the point of no return and hope for the strength to endure the consequences. We continue to pray for divine intervention.
The ships are even closer to the shoreline
Now we're playing in a madman's house of fun
I read it in the news we ain't got no worry
But it won't be in the paper when D Day comes
The danger is imminent, and we are foolishly distracted by entertainment instead of taking action. The news is failing to inform us of the gravity of the situation, leading us to continue down the path of ignorance.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RICHARD MARX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michele Lee Chenard
on Hold on to the Nights
love this song this is for my bf who i love so much