​The Everly Brothers

Lyrics

5 ContributorsTake a Message to Mary LyricsThese are the words of a frontier lad
Who lost his love when he turned bad

Take a message to Mary
But don't tell her where I am
Take a message to Mary
But don't say I'm in a jam
You can tell her I had to see the world
Or tell her that my ship set sail
You can say she better not wait for me
But don't tell her I'm in jail
Oh, don't tell her I'm in jail

Take a message to Mary
But don't tell her what I've done
Please don't mention the stagecoach
And the shot from a careless gun
You can tell her I had to change my plans
And cancel out the wedding day
But please don't mention my lonely cell
Where I'm gonna pine away
Until my dying day

Take a message to Mary
But don't tell her all you know
My heart's aching for Mary
Lord knows I miss her so
Just tell her I went to Timbuktu
Tell her I'm searching for gold
You can say she better find someone new
To cherish and to hold
Oh, Lord, this cell is cold
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Oh, Lord this cell is coldEmbed

Take a Message to Mary is a timeless classic by the legendary musical duo, The Everly Brothers. With its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, this song has captured the hearts of listeners for decades. Let's dive deeper into the fascinating story behind Take a Message to Mary and its enduring legacy.

About Take a Message to Mary

Take a Message to Mary was released in 1959 as a part of The Everly Brothers' album, "The Fabulous Style of The Everly Brothers." It was written by the renowned songwriting team, Boudleaux Bryant and Felice Bryant, who were also responsible for many of the duo's other hit songs.

The song tells the poignant tale of a love triangle, where the protagonist finds himself torn between his current love interest and his former flame, Mary. The lyrics beautifully portray his desire to send a message to Mary, asking her forgiveness and hoping to rekindle their past relationship. The emotional depth in the lyrics is accentuated by the Everly Brothers' impeccable vocal harmonies, creating a truly captivating listening experience.

One of the defining features of Take a Message to Mary is the Everly Brothers' signature close harmony singing style. Throughout their career, Don and Phil Everly perfected the art of blending their voices in seamless harmony, creating a sound that was uniquely their own. This distinctive vocal arrangement is particularly evident in Take a Message to Mary, where their voices intertwine flawlessly, evoking a sense of emotional longing and nostalgia.

Alongside their remarkable vocal performance, the Everly Brothers' choice of instrumentation further enhances the song's impact. The gentle strumming of acoustic guitars and the subtle yet effective use of percussion provide a delicate backdrop to the heartfelt lyrics. This masterful combination of vocals and instrumentation makes Take a Message to Mary sonically rich and emotionally resonant.

Take a Message to Mary quickly became a fan favorite and achieved commercial success upon its release. It climbed the charts, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and solidifying the Everly Brothers' position as one of the leading acts of the era. The song's enduring popularity has stood the test of time, continuing to captivate audiences of all generations.

Throughout their career, the Everly Brothers were not only known for their remarkable musical talent but also for their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Take a Message to Mary exemplifies this connection through its heartfelt lyrics and the Everly Brothers' impeccable delivery.

Moreover, the emotional resonance of the song can be attributed to its relatability. Love triangles and the complexities of relationships are themes that have resonated with audiences throughout history. In Take a Message to Mary, the Everly Brothers expertly capture the conflicting emotions, the longing for a lost love, and the desire for redemption.

Take a Message to Mary stands out as a timeless masterpiece in the Everly Brothers' vast discography. It is a testament to their exceptional musical talent, their ability to convey heartfelt emotions through their voices, and their unmatched songwriting prowess. The song's enduring appeal is a testament to the power of music to touch our hearts and souls.

In the end, Take a Message to Mary remains a treasured gem in the musical landscape, ensuring that the Everly Brothers' remarkable contribution to the world of music will never be forgotten.

• Release Date: 1959
• Artist: ​The Everly Brothers