About the song
Hello Mary Lou: A rock and roll classic that defined an era
“Hello Mary Lou” is a song written by Gene Pitney and first recorded by American rock and roll singer Ricky Nelson. It was released in 1961 as the B-side of the single “Travelin’ Man”. The song became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is a catchy, upbeat rock and roll tune with a simple but effective melody. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is smitten with a girl named Mary Lou. He sees her walking down the street and is immediately captivated by her beauty. He tries to talk to her, but she is too busy to pay attention to him. He then sings about how much he loves her and how he can’t stop thinking about her.
The song’s simple lyrics and catchy melody made it a popular choice for cover versions. It has been covered by many artists, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Rolling Stones.
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was the son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, stars of the popular television sitcom “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”. Nelson began his career as a child actor on the show, and he eventually transitioned into a successful music career.
Nelson released his first single, “I’m Confessin'”, in 1957. The song was a major hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Nelson went on to release a string of hit singles, including “Hello Mary Lou”, “Travelin’ Man”, and “Poor Little Fool”.
Nelson also starred in several films, including “The Story of Ricky” (1961) and “Rio Bravo” (1959). He died in a plane crash in 1985 at the age of 45.
Legacy
“Hello Mary Lou” is one of the most iconic rock and roll songs of all time. It is a classic example of the early rock and roll sound, and it has been covered by many artists over the years. The song is a testament to the songwriting skills of Gene Pitney and the performing talents of Ricky Nelson. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Analysis
“Hello Mary Lou” is a simple song, but it is also a very effective one. The melody is catchy and easy to remember, and the lyrics are simple but relatable. The song is a perfect example of the early rock and roll sound, and it helped to define the era.
The song’s success can be attributed to a number of factors. First, the song is simply catchy and enjoyable to listen to. The melody is upbeat and easy to sing along to, and the lyrics are simple but relatable. Second, the song was released at a time when rock and roll was just beginning to take off. The song’s catchy melody and simple lyrics helped to introduce rock and roll to a wider audience.
“Hello Mary Lou” is a classic rock and roll song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that is still enjoyed by people of all ages today. The song is a testament to the songwriting skills of Gene Pitney and the performing talents of Ricky Nelson.
Video
Lyrics
“Hello Mary Lou”
Hello Mary Lou, goodbye heartSweet Mary Lou, I’m so in love with youI knew Mary Lou, we’d never partSo hello Mary Lou, goodbye heartYou passed me by one sunny day
Flashed those big brown eyes my way
And oo I wanted you forever more
Now I’m not one that gets around
Swear my feet stuck to the ground
And though I never did meet you beforeI said, hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou, I’m so in love with you
I knew Mary Lou, we’d never part
So hello Mary Lou, goodbye heartI saw your lips I heard your voice
Believe me I just had no choice
Wild horses couldn’t make me stay away
I thought about a moonlit night
My arms about good an’ tight
That’s all I had to see for me to sayHey, hey, hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou, I’m so in love with you
I knew Mary Lou, we’d never part
So hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart
So hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart
Yes hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart