The band signed a record deal with Profile Records in 1983, and Run's older brother, Russell "Rush" Simmons, signed Run-D.M.C. to his newly formed management company Rush Productions that same year. On their first major United States tour, the group set new fads by performing dressed in baggy black clothing, Adidas Sneakers (always with shoelaces removed), and Fedora hats.
Their mainstream success continued as the group performed at the famous Live Aid concert in 1985, and their 1986 album ''Raising Hell'' became the highest-selling rap album in history (this record was later broken as rap gained more popularity with artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Eminem), reaching number 3 on the ''Billboard magazine'' album charts and selling over 3 million copies. The album featured the famous cover version of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way", a rap-rock collaboration performed with Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. The song was the first hip-hop track to make the Top 10 on Billboard's singles charts.
Run-D.M.C. were renowned for breaking new ground in rap music. "It's Like That" and "Sucker MC's" (1983) were the first hip hop tracks that relied on electronic beats and nothing else. "Peter Piper" (1986) was the first rap record in which the DJ cut up a record (in this case, "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" by jazz musician Bob James. Run-D.M.C. became the first rap act with a platinum album and multi-platinum album, as well as the first rappers to appear on the cover of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, to receive a Grammy nomination and to appear on Saturday Night Live] and American Bandstand.
After a period of lackluster commercial success after the ''Raising Hell'' album, the group made a comeback in 1993 with their album ''Down With the King'', which made Billboard's Top 10 for album and the Pete Rock assisted single "Down With the King".
Jam-Master Jay was shot and killed in October 2002, leading Run-D.M.C. to announce their retirement.
For a complete biography and the most up-to-date information on Run DMC, visit www.RunDMC.com.
Mary
Run-D.M.C. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day
Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible said
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day
Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today
And man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day
While shepherds watch their flocks by night
They see a bright new shining star
They hear a choir sing a song, the music seemed to come from afar
Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today
And man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day
Mmh-mmh
Mmh-hmm
Mmh-mmh
Mmh-mmh-hmm
Mmh-mmh-mmh-hmm
Mmh-hmm-mmh-mmh
For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
There were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
"Let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace"
Oh my Lord
You sent Your son to save us
Oh my Lord
Your very self You gave us
Oh my Lord
That sin may not enslave us
And love may reign once more
Oh my Lord
When in the crib they found Him
Oh my Lord
A golden halo crowned Him
Oh my Lord
They gathered all around Him
To see Him and adore (this day will live forever)
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
They had become to doubt You
Oh my Lord (He is the truth forever)
What did they know about You?
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
But they were lost without You
They needed You so bad (His light is shining on us)
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
With the child's adoration
Oh my lord (He is a personation)
There came great jubilation
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
And full of admiration
They realized what they had (until the sun falls from the sky)
Oh my Lord (oh praise the Lord)
You sent Your son to save us
Oh my Lord (this day will live forever)
Your very self You gave us
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
The lyrics to Run-D.M.C.'s song "Mary, Mary" tell the story of a tumultuous relationship between the singer and a woman named Mary. The first verse describes how Mary spent all the singer's money and left him in debt. Although he still cares about her and jokingly compares himself to Superman, he is frustrated by her behavior and how it has affected his life. The chorus repeats the lines "Mary, Mary/Why ya buggin'?/Mary, Mary/I need a huggin'" to emphasize the singer's mixed feelings towards her.
The second verse shifts to a different Mary, one that the singer met on the road and had a more positive relationship with. However, even this Mary has a bit of a wild side, and the singer worries about her being "scary." The chorus is repeated twice more to close out the song.
Overall, "Mary, Mary" portrays a complex and sometimes contradictory view of women through the lens of a hip-hop love song. While the lyrics are lighthearted and often humorous, they also hint at the struggles and challenges of relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Mary, Mary Why ya buggin'?
Asking Mary why she's causing trouble or being difficult.
Mary, Mary I need a huggin'
Expressing a desire for comfort and physical affection from Mary.
Telling a story about a girl named Flo who took advantage of the speaker financially and caused him hardship.
Describing a former relationship where one person exploited the other financially despite attempts to establish a meaningful connection.
Trying to get Mary's attention and express something important to her.
Describing the difficulties of trying to find and convey a heartfelt message to someone who's avoiding you.
Asking Mary why she's pretending to be someone she's not, when she should be loyal to the speaker.
Expressing disappointment in someone who's changed, become dishonest or has lost touch with their initial connection.
Recalling stories and experiences with Mary that demonstrate her wild and reckless behavior.
Sharing anecdotes and experiences that paint a picture of a person who lives recklessly and dangerously.
Describing Mary as a person who is always in a rush and willing to take risks.
Painting a picture of a person who is impulsive and makes questionable decisions. Expressing concern and unease about this person's behavior.
Asking Mary once again why she's causing trouble.
Repeating a question asked earlier in the song to emphasize the frustration caused by someone's behavior.
Expressing a want and need for physical comfort from Mary.
Isolated from other lines, this line expresses a desire for connection and comfort in the midst of an otherwise frustrating situation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Fred Jay, Frank Farian, Jester Hairston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jackspry9736
RIP Jam Master Jay (January 21, 1965 – October 30, 2002), aged 37
You will be remembered as a legend.
Today marks 20 years since he died.
@Akumaa2000
Omg has it been that long….yea I’m old….lol
Thank you Jam Master Jay for the song Peter Piper.
@antoniosamuels9591
YES HE WILL
@LuisHernandez-hw7dj
I was devastated when Jam Master Jay was murdered. As a kid in the 80s Run DMC was the best.
@sonera.5874
RIP?
He was killed while drug dealing.
He was a member of the biggest rap group.
@keepingitreal71
Mike Nesmith died today... He loved this spin on a great song... This one is for you Michel... #RIPMikeNesmith
@karensimpson5226
Love the way they sample the Monkees ...musical genius !!!
@randomhandle
Imagine what Mary Mary would say if she heard rap music in the 2000's. Run DMC is downright wholesome as far as rap music goes.
@jamesmartin8385
Mary, Mary would change station, and rightly so.
@mattdooley6206
Mary Mary why you buggin