There are many songs that include the name Mary in the title. This is likely because the name is so popular. There are many different interpretations of why the name is used in so many songs. Some believe that it is due to the popularity of the Virgin Mary, while others think that it has something to do with the power of the name itself. Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure- there are a lot of great songs out there that include Mary in the title! Here is a list of 20 of our favorite Mary-themed songs.
Why is the name Mary so popular in songs?
The name Mary has been used in countless songs over the years, from traditional folk tunes to contemporary pop hits. There are a number of reasons why the name is so popular with songwriters.
For one, it is a very versatile name that can be used for both male and female characters. In addition, the name has a certain youthful energy and innocence that can be evocative of first love or childhood nostalgia.
Furthermore, the name Mary is associated with a number of positive traits, such as kindness, compassion, and strength. These qualities make the name ideal for songs that are meant to inspire or uplift. Ultimately, it is the timeless appeal of the name Mary that has made it such a staple in popular music.
Some of the most popular songs about Mary
Below is our list of songs about Mary, having the name “Mary” in their title.
| Song about Mary | Artist |
|---|---|
| “Take a Message to Mary” | Everly Brothers |
| “Mary” | Scissor Sisters |
| “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” | Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers |
| “Mary’s Song (Oh My My My)” | Taylor Swift |
| “Mary, Don’t You Weep” | Aretha Franklin |
| “The Wind Cries Mary” | Jimi Hendrix |
| “Sweet Lady Mary” | The Small Faces |
| “Bloody Mary” | Lady Gaga |
| “Proud Mary” | Creedence Clearwater Revival |
| “Mary” | Kings of Leon |
| “Cross Eyed Mary” | Jethro Tull |
| “The Thoughts Of Mary Jane” | Nick Drake |
| “Mary Long” | Deep Purple |
| “Now Mary” | The White Stripes |
| “Mary Of The Wild Moor” | Johnny Cash |
| “Ave Mary A” | P!nk |
| “If My Mary Were Here” | Harry Chapin |
| “Mary of Silence” | Mazzy Star |
| “Mary Goes ‘Round” | Mr. Big |
| “Mary from the Dairy” | Max Miller |
| “Cousin Mary” | John Coltrane |
| “Blind Mary” | Gnarls Barkley |
| “Old Mary” | The Dead Weather |
| “Mary Mary” | The Monkees |
1- “Take a Message to Mary”, by Everly Brothers
Take a Message to Mary was released by the Everly Brothers in 1959 and spent 13 weeks on the Billboard list, eventually reaching the top 10 spot on the Canada CHUM Hit Parade list. The song is about a man who is thrown into jail for doing a crime and, since jail is an unpleasant experience, he isn’t looking forward to suffering.
He decides to contact a friend to deliver an important message to the love of his life, Mary. The story reflects the reality of many people’s lives at the time, as crime rates were high and relationships were often strained due to the tensions of everyday life.
Despite this, the song remains optimistic, with the protagonist hoping that his message will reach Mary and that she will forgive him. This hope is what has helped the song stand the test of time, as it remains relevant even in today’s world.
2 – “Mary”, by Scissor Sisters
Jake Shears and Mary Hanlon were best friends for many years. Jake is the lead singer of the Scissor Sisters, and Mary was a close friend of the band. In 2006, while the Scissor Sisters were finishing their second album, Mary passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm.
The song ‘Mary’ was written for her. It’s an ode to their friendship and serves as an encouragement to Mary to keep hope in her life. The lyrics are also a way for Jake to deal with his own grief at losing his best friend.
The song is full of positive and uplifting messages, despite the tragic circumstances surrounding its creation. It’s hard to tell if there are romantic undertones in the song, but it’s clear that Jake Shears felt deeply for his friend Mary Hanlon.
3 – “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”, by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Originally released in 1993, “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in part to its catchy chorus and spokesperson-worthy video. The song is one of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ most successful singles, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite its popularity, the song nearly didn’t make it onto the album; Petty originally wrote it as an ode to an Indiana girl he met one night, but he didn’t feel comfortable singing about Indiana (hence the name change).
The song’s music video was equally as successful as the single, winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video. The video featured a dead woman played by actress Kim Basinger, which added a eerie edge to the otherwise upbeat song. Thanks to its success on both radio and television, “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” remains one of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ most iconic songs.
4 – “Mary’s Song (Oh My My My)”, by Taylor Swift
Mary’s Song (Oh My My My) is a beautiful ballad by Taylor Swift that reflects on the idea of young love. The song was inspired by a couple that Swift knew when she was growing up, who served as an example of a near-perfect relationship.
While the couple has since divorced, the song remains a reminder that romance can last, and can be a positive force in one’s life. The lyrics are incredibly sweet and paints a picture of two young people deeply in love.
As somebody who has been in a long-term relationship myself, this song always makes me smile and remind me of why I fell in love with my partner in the first place. If you’re looking for more great music from Taylor Swift, be sure to check out our list of her best songs.
5 – “Mary, Don’t You Weep”, by Aretha Franklin
The Christian spiritual song “Mary, don’t you weep” appeared on Aretha Franklin’s album Amazing Grace. The song is centered on Mary of Bethany, who is shown in the Gospel of John.
In the song, Mary pleaded with Jesus to return her beloved brother Lazarus from the dead. This story is a powerful example of the power of faith and prayer. Although her brother had been dead for four days, Mary never lost hope that Jesus could raise him from the dead.
When Lazarus was resurrected, it was a miracle that changed the lives of everyone involved. The song “Mary, don’t you weep” is a reminder of the power of faith and prayer in our lives.
6 – “The Wind Cries Mary”, by Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is one of the most iconic guitarists in music history. His unique style of playing combined rock, blues, and soul into a sound that captivated audiences around the world. One of his most popular songs, “The Wind Cries Mary,” was released during the late 1960s.
The song was conceived by Hendrix after he had a disagreement with Kathy Etchingham, a famed London music scene figure. The name “Mary” in the song is actually Etchingham’s middle name. Since its release, “The Wind Cries Mary” has had a lasting legacy; although Hendrix originally created the song, other artists have recorded their own versions of it over the years.
Some of these artists include Jamie Cullum, Richie Sambora, Sting, and John Mayer. No matter who is playing it, “The Wind Cries Mary” remains an enduring classic that continues to entertain audiences today.
7 – “Sweet Lady Mary”, by The Small Faces
“Sweet Lady Mary” is a song by the English rock band The Small Faces. It was released on their second album, Faces, in 1971. The song is a ballad sung by lead vocalist Ronnie Lane, with Ronnie Wood and Ron Stewart providing backup vocals.
The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is in love with a girl named Mary. He describes her as the “sweetest thing” and “the light of [his] life.” Despite his love for her, he knows that she is out of his league and will never return his affections.
Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that one day she will change her mind and reciprocate his love. “Sweet Lady Mary” is widely considered to be one of The Small Faces’ best songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
8 – “Bloody Mary”, by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has never been one to shy away from controversy, and her song “Bloody Mary” is no exception. The song is a clear homage to Mary Magdalene, one of the most controversial figures in the Bible.
Gaga aims to humanize Magdalene, portraying her as a complex individual with real emotions. This is clear from the lyrics, which paint a picture of a woman who is both vulnerable and powerful.
The inclusion of a French line (“J’ai perdu mon chemin”) and a Portuguese line (“Eu quero que você me leve”) further emphasize this point. Gaga also owns a Rolls-Royce that she has christened “Bloody Mary” due to its blood-red color.
This is just another example of how she is using her platform to create art that provokes thought and encourages people to question the status quo.
9 – “Proud Mary”, by Creedence Clearwater Revival
John Fogerty and the Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Proud Mary” was a debut single from their second album, Bayou Country. The song was a success, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Numerous cover versions of the song have been made, due to its popularity. The song is about a washerwoman called Mary. Mary is proud of her work and enjoys washing clothes for other people.
However, she is also aware of the hard work that goes into washing clothes and knows that it is not always easy. Despite the difficulties, she is still proud of her work and enjoys doing it.
10 – “Mary”, by Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon’s song “Mary” is a haunting ballad about the trials and tribulations of marriage. The song was released in 2010 on the band’s album Come Around Sundown.
The album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Album, and “Mary” was one of the singles that helped propel the album to success. The song is told from the perspective of one of the band members who is moving out of the house and embarking on the journey that is marriage.
The lyrics are both beautiful and melancholic, reflecting the highs and lows of married life. “Mary” is a truly stunning song that captures both the joys and the challenges of committed relationships.
11 – “Cross Eyed Mary”, by Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull’s “Cross-Eyed Mary” is a classic example of progressive rock. Released in 1971, the song tells the story of a prostitute who also happens to be a schoolgirl.
She prefers the company of older men over her classmates, and she seems to derive pleasure from the act of seduction. While the subject matter may be controversial, the song itself is a masterful piece of music, featuring complex lyrics and intricate instrumentation.
It is clear that Jethro Tull were at the top of their game when they wrote and recorded “Cross-Eyed Mary.” The song remains one of their most popular and enduring tunes, and it continues to fascinate listeners nearly 50 years after its release.
12 – “The Thoughts Of Mary Jane”, by Nick Drake
“The Thoughts of Mary Jane” is a hauntingly beautiful song from Nick Drake’s debut album, Five Leaves Left.
The song is written from the perspective of Drake unsuccessfully trying to understand the thoughts of a woman named Mary. The lyrics are simple yet profound, and the singer’s voice is laden with emotion.
The song builds to a devastating crescendo, with Drake’s voice cracking as he tries to comprehend the complex inner life of Mary. The song is a masterful exploration of the human condition, and it is one of Drake’s most beloved songs.
13 – “Mary Long”, by Deep Purple
Religion has always been a controversial topic, and it is often the source of heated debates and even violence. Deep Purple tackles the issue head-on with their song “Mary Long.”
The song is about a girl who was raised in a religious household but ultimately rejected the teachings of her parents. Mary Long is a powerful anthem about standing up to authority and making your own choices in life.
The song was released in 1973, at a time when many young people were questioning the rules and traditions of their parents’ generation. “Mary Long” encourages listeners to think for themselves and to follow their own hearts, regardless of what others may say or think.
The song is an excellent example of Deep Purple’s willingness to take on tough topics and to challenge societal norms.
14 – “Now Mary”, by The White Stripes
“Now Mary” is a song about a man who is unsure about his relationship with a woman named Mary.
The song begins with the man meeting Mary and feeling disappointed by her. He thinks that things are good between them but he isn’t certain. Throughout the song, the man tries to figure out what Mary is thinking and feeling.
He wonders if she feels the same way about him as he does about her. In the end, the man is still left wondering about Mary and his own feelings for her. Despite its sad and introspective lyrics, “Now Mary” is a catchy and upbeat song that has become a favorite among fans of The White Stripes.
15 – “Mary Of The Wild Moor”, by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s performance of “Mary of the Wild Moor” on his album American III: Solitary Man is a haunting and beautiful rendition of an old folk song.
The song tells the story of a young woman who is forced to leave her home in the moors and go into hiding to escape an abusive husband.
Cash’s deep, resonant voice brings the lyrics to life, and his simple, plaintive guitar playing provides the perfect accompaniment. The result is a track that is both sad and beautiful, and which perfectly captures the feeling of loss and longing that is at the heart of the song.
16 – “Ave Mary A”, by P!nk
On P!nk’s album Funhouse, the song “Ave Mary A” tells the story of a woman named Ave Mary and her frustrations with the state of the world.
The song begins with Ave Mary expressing her disbelief at how “the world’s gone crazy.” She goes on to list a number of pressing global issues, including war, poverty, and pollution.
While some may see these problems as too big to solve, Ave Mary remains hopeful that change is possible. She urges listeners to “stand up for what you believe in” and fight for a better future.
“Ave Mary A” is an empowering song that speaks to the need for social justice and change in today’s world.
17 – “If My Mary Were Here”, by Harry Chapin
Harry Chapin’s “If My Mary Were Here” is a moving tribute to the power of love. The song tells the story of a man who has found peace in his life thanks to the love of a woman named Mary.
But now that Mary is gone, the man feels lost and alone. The lyrics express the deep pain and longing that he feels without her.
Yet despite all his sorrow, the man still keeps Mary close to his heart. In the end, the song is a reminder that true love never dies. Even when we are apart from our loved ones, they continue to live on in our hearts and minds.
18 – “Mary of Silence”, by Mazzy Star
Mazzy Star’s “Mary of Silence” is a beautiful, ethereal song that evokes the mystery and reverence of the Virgin Mary.
The lyrics are simple and direct, but they convey a deep sense of yearning and longing. The music is hypnotic and dreamlike, with a gentle yet insistent beat that carries the listener along on a journey to the heart of silence.
The song feels both ancient and modern at the same time, as if it has been passed down through the ages but still speaks to our hearts today. It is a perfect example of Mazzy Star’s unique ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
19 – “Mary Goes ‘Round”, by Mr. Big
Mr. Big’s “Mary Goes ‘Round” is a haunting ballad about a woman struggling to find her way in life.
The lyrics tell the story of Mary, a woman who has fallen from grace and is trying to find her way back. However, despite her best efforts, Mary will never be happy in the end.
The song is written in a minor key and features emotive vocals from frontman Eric Martin. The sparse instrumentation creates a feeling of isolation and despair, which perfectly conveys the hopelessness of Mary’s situation. “Mary Goes ‘Round” is a powerful and moving song that will stay with you long after the last note has faded away.
20 – “Mary from the Dairy”, by Max Miller
Max Miller was a British comedian who was known for his bawdy humor and risque jokes. One of his most popular songs was “Mary from the Dairy”.
The song is about Miller falling for a woman named Mary who worked at a local dairy. The song became one of Miller’s signature tunes and helped to launch his career. However, it also caused some controversy, as many people found the lyrics to be lewd and offensive.
Nevertheless, “Mary from the Dairy” remained one of Miller’s most popular songs and helped to cement his reputation as a comedian who pushed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
21 – “Cousin Mary”, by John Coltrane
The album Giant Steps was released in 1960 and is noted as one of the most unique albums of all time. The title track, “Cousin Mary,” is named after John Coltrane’s younger cousin, Mary.
This song is a perfect example of the wide range of emotions that Coltrane was able to convey through his playing. The tune starts off with a playful, almost childlike melody, before shifting into a more intense and meditative middle section.
The final minutes of the song are some of the most beautiful and emotive music ever recorded, as Coltrane unleashes a torrent of notes that seem to express both joy and pain at the same time. It is an amazing performance by an artist who was truly at the top of his game.
22 – “Blind Mary”, by Gnarls Barkley
Gnarls Barkley’s album “The Odd Couple” included the song “Blind Mary”.
The song is about a person’s ability to love their own Mary in their life with unconditional love. This type of love is often hard to find, but it can make all the difference in a relationship.
The lyrics talk about how no matter what Mary does, the speaker will always love her. This sentiment is echoed in the chorus, which talks about how the speaker will never let anything get in the way of their love.
Even if Mary makes mistakes, the speaker will always be there for her. This song is a beautiful tribute to the power of unconditional love.
23 – “Old Mary”, by The Dead Weather
The Dead Weather’s song “Old Mary” is a dark and atmospheric track that tackles the theme of pollution and its effects on humanity.
The lyrics are suffused with religious imagery, hinting at the way that our actions are slowly poisoning the planet. The song builds to a crescendo of distorted guitars and drums, punctuated by Jack White’s eerie vocal performance, which creates a feeling of unease and dread.
Despite its bleak subject matter, “Old Mary” is an incredibly powerful song that highlights the need for us to protect our environment.
24 – “Mary Mary”, by The Monkees
The Monkees were a pop-rock band formed in the 1960s, best known for tracks like “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville”.
“Mary Mary” is a ballad sung from the point of view of a lovesick man imploring Mary not to leave him. The lyrics are simple but poignant, and the Monkees’ harmonies give the song an added emotional depth.
The track was originally sung by drummer Micky Dolenz, who also sang lead on many of the group’s other hits.
In 1988, rap group Run-D.M.C. recorded a version of “Mary Mary” for their album Tougher Than Leather. The rap addendum brings a new perspective to the song, but at its core, “Mary Mary” is a timeless tale of love and loss.
What is the significance of the name Mary in these songs?
In the Bible, Mary is the name of the mother of Jesus Christ. The name carries a great deal of religious significance for Christians, as Mary is often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence. As such, the name Mary can often be found in religious songs and hymns.
However, the name also has secular meaning, thanks to its common usage in popular culture. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Tomorrow’s Another Day” are just two examples of songs that make use of the name Mary. In both cases, the name serves as a simple placeholder for the protagonist of the song. The name “Mary” also brings with it a sense of familiarity and comfort in songs, helping to create an emotional connection with the listener. Whether used in a religious or secular context, the name Mary carries a great deal of weight and meaning.