Mary Jane
The Vulgar Boatmen Lyrics
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And pretty soon you'll realize
All the bags are packed, sitting by the door
When you realize what you know for sure
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
I'm gonna set the tone, take a drive downtown
Just sit in my car and take a look around
There's the Silver Sun New Jersey line
I said maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
My mama said she knows what I ought to do
Sometimes myself I think I know too
But I call you up and you let it ring
My babe, my babe, my babe, my babe
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Bye-bye, bye-bye
Bye-bye, bye-bye
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
== Credits ==
* Written by: Dale Lawrence, Robert Ray
The Vulgar Boatmen's song Mary Jane appears to be about a relationship that is ending or growing apart. The song opens with the singer describing the physical attributes of a woman named Mary Jane. She has a "pretty face and pretty eyes," but the bags are packed by the door, indicating that she is leaving. The repetition of her name throughout the song highlights the importance of this relationship and how the singer cannot let her go without a fight. The next verse suggests that the singer wants to take Mary Jane out for a drive, as a way to set the tone and maybe try to patch things up.
The third verse introduces the singer's mother's advice on what to do, but also acknowledges that sometimes the singer knows what to do as well. However, the main focus remains on Mary Jane's absence and the uncertainty of the future. The song ends with a simple "bye-bye" repeated four times, perhaps indicating that the relationship is indeed over.
The repetition of Mary Jane's name and the line "Mary Jane, Mary Jane, Mary Jane" creates a catchy and memorable hook that adds to the emotional weight of the lyrics. The fact that the chorus only contains these words, with no variation or further explanation, leaves the listener to fill in the blank with their own interpretation.
Overall, The Vulgar Boatmen's Mary Jane is a poignant song about the confusion and heartbreak that can come with a relationship ending. The use of simple language and repetition makes it easy to sing along to, but the emotional message conveyed gives the song a lasting impact.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a pretty face and pretty eyes
At first glance, Mary Jane has an attractive physical appearance.
And pretty soon you'll realize
As you spend more time with Mary Jane, you'll start to see her true nature.
All the bags are packed, sitting by the door
Mary Jane is ready to leave at a moment's notice, and everything she needs is already packed.
When you realize what you know for sure
Once you understand who Mary Jane truly is, you'll know that she's always ready to move on to the next thing.
I'm gonna set the tone, take a drive downtown
To set the mood, the artist plans on taking Mary Jane for a ride in his car to get a better sense of their surroundings.
Just sit in my car and take a look around
While sitting in the car, the singer is simply observing their surroundings and taking it all in.
There's the Silver Sun New Jersey line
The Silver Sun New Jersey line is a significant location for the singer.
I said maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe
The artist is uncertain and doesn't know what the future holds regarding Mary Jane.
My mama said she knows what I ought to do
The artist's mother believes she knows what the artist should do in regards to Mary Jane.
Sometimes myself I think I know too
The artist is also grappling with what should be done with Mary Jane, and sometimes, they believe they have the answers.
But I call you up and you let it ring
When the singer reaches out to Mary Jane, she doesn't answer the phone.
My babe, my babe, my babe, my babe
Despite the difficulties of a relationship with Mary Jane, the artist still has affection for her.
Bye-bye, bye-bye
It's time for the singer to say goodbye to Mary Jane.
Mary Jane
Throughout the song, Mary Jane represents a person who is always ready to leave and has a sense of restlessness and uncertainty that the singer can't fully understand.
Contributed by Lucas B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.