Formed to play proms in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the group originally consisted of the three McMichael brothers: tenors Judd (1906-1989) and Joe (1916-1944), and baritone Ted (1908-2001). They were discovered by singer-bandleader Eddie Dunstedter. In 1930 the McMichaels, after performing as The Mystery Trio and The Personality Boys, added a female lead singer, Cheri McKay, and changed their name to The Merry Macs.
In 1936 they appeared on several national radio programs, and Cheri McKay was replaced by Helen Carroll. (McKay trained her successor in the group's singing style.)
Vocal quartets had customarily harmonized like barbershop quartets. The Merry Macs revolutionized vocal harmony with closer harmonic chords. This style inspired other groups, like The Modernaires and Six Hits and a Miss. In 1938 The Merry Macs signed with Decca Records and recorded “Pop Goes the Weasel.” The Merry Macs (with Carroll) sang a swing version of "Down by the Old Mill Stream" in the 1939 Vitaphone musical Seeing Red, Red Skelton's first film.
In 1939 Mary Lou Cook (b. 1910) replaced Helen Carroll. This is the foursome that most listeners know from film appearances. The McMichael brothers and Cook appeared as a specialty act in Hollywood movies, including 1940's Love Thy Neighbor, and Universal Pictures gave The Merry Macs their own feature-film series in 1941. Their most famous film is Ride 'Em Cowboy (1942), an Abbott and Costello comedy in which The Merry Macs offer musical interludes. At the time, Mary Lou was married to actor Elisha Cook, Jr.; evidently there were problems because Mary Lou ended both her marriage and her affiliation with The Merry Macs at about the same time.
Marjory Garland (1923-1991) replaced Mary Lou Cook after Ride 'Em Cowboy was filmed. The Merry Macs continued to score on the hit parade; their rendition of "Mairzy Doats" was a best-seller. Garland, who later married Judd McMichael, remained with the group until the 1960s.
Youngest brother Joe McMichael served in the armed forces and was killed in 1944. He was replaced by Clive Erard, then Dick Baldwin, and finally Vern Rowe. The foursome of Judd, Ted, Marjory and Vern continued performing until they retired from show business in 1964.
Sentimental Journey
The Merry Macs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna set my heart at ease
Gonna make a sentimental journey
To renew old memories
Got my bag, got my reservation
Spent each dime I could afford
Like a child in wild anticipation
Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven
I'll be waitin' up for heaven
Countin' every mile of railroad track
That takes me back
Never thought my heart could be so yearny
Why did I decide to roam
Gotta take that sentimental journey
Sentimental journey home
Sentimental journey
The Merry Macs's song "Sentimental Journey" is a nostalgic and wistful tune that speaks of returning home to memories of familiar people, places, and feelings. The lyrics indicate a longing to depart on a sentimental journey that will ease the heart and revive old memories. The writer expresses eagerness about the trip, having made every preparation, from obtaining a reservation to packing a bag with everything they need. As they await the trip, the anticipation and excitement are high, and they look forward to hearing "all aboard" to signify that it is time to depart.
The song's final verse highlights the longing of the writer's heart for home, as they never thought their heart could be so yearning. They make a commitment to go on a sentimental journey, a journey that will take them back to their roots, where they can relive past memories and see old friends and familiar places. The song reflects the universal longing of people to reconnect with their past and find solace and joy in familiar places, people, and memories. The underlining message of the song is that life is a journey, and sometimes, it's okay to go back and visit old memories to find comfort and to renew the spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna take a sentimental journey
I am going to journey down memory lane
Gonna set my heart at ease
I am going to soothe my heart with the longings of my past
Gonna make a sentimental journey
I am going to embark on a trip that brings back memories
To renew old memories
My purpose for this journey is to revisit old memories
Got my bag, got my reservation
I have already taken care of everything for my trip
Spent each dime I could afford
I have spent all that I can so as to take this trip
Like a child in wild anticipation
I am super excited for this journey like a child anticipating a fun event
Long to hear that 'All aboard'
I am so eager to begin the trip and hear the train conductor call everyone to board
Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven
The train will depart at exactly 7 pm
I'll be waitin' up for heaven
I'll stay up till it's time to leave and will be excitedly anticipative throughout the journey
Countin' every mile of railroad track
I'll pay close attention to every mile we pass as it has a meaning to me
That takes me back
The miles pass me back in time; they help me go back to relive memories
Never thought my heart could be so yearny
I am surprised at how much I crave for the past; it's as if I am yearning for it
Why did I decide to roam
I question why I even thought of travelling when all I want is to relive the past
Gotta take that sentimental journey
I must embark on this journey to satisfy my longing for the past
Sentimental journey home
I want to retrace my steps and get back to my past and my senses of home
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Benjamin Homer, Bud Green, Les Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Xiola Moon
Loving it, thank you.
gomez d'gomez
Amazing!
Playa Misery
They played this yesterday on Jungle cruise at Disneyland
Playa Misery
@ThatOneGuy Um, did I say something wrong?
ThatOneGuy
@Playa Misery yes