Lyrics
Contrary Mary
Repetition of the name "Contrary Mary" to emphasize and set the theme of the song.
Contrary Mary
-Contrary Mary
-Contrary Mary
-Well the first time that I saw ya
The singer recalls the first time they saw Mary.
Did ya say you'd never never never come back
Mary expressed a strong reluctance to return initially.
But the second time I saw ya
Despite the initial rejection, Mary is found sitting in the singer's Cadillac the second time they meet.
You were sitting in my Cadillac
Implies a change in Mary's attitude or circumstances.
Sticks and stones may break my bones
Reference to the saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones," suggesting challenges in the relationship.
We didn't think at all girl
They didn't consider the consequences of the relationship.
But ya stuck to me like something stuck in my eye
Mary clings to the singer persistently.
(Say hey hey baby) People think that you're a big shot
People perceive Mary as a big shot, but she acts like a hot shot.
(Say hey hey baby) Keep on acting like a hot shot
-(Hey hey hey) My mama - my mama - my mama told me not to fool around with you
The singer's mother warned against getting involved with Mary.
(You hey you who) Contrary Mary
Repetition of "Contrary Mary" in the chorus, emphasizing the contradictory nature of Mary.
(You hey you who) Contrary Mary
-(You hey you who) Contrary Mary
-(You hey you who) Contrary Mary
-Well they told me you don't want me
Mary rejects the singer initially, but the singer implies that they are still connected through the "sister of love."
You threw my suitcase out the door
-But ya can't do nothing with the sister of love
-So ya rock it where you were before
-Mary Mary quite contrary
A playful reference to the nursery rhyme "Mary, Mary, quite contrary."
How does your love life go
Asking about Mary's love life and suggesting the singer is free of complications with multiple admirers.
You see my nose is clean if you know what
-I mean got lines waiting three in a row
-(CHORUS)
Repetition of the chorus.
(You hey you hey)
-(You hey you hey)
-(You hey you hey)
-(You hey you hey)
-Baby baby can't you see
The singer expresses the impact of Mary's love on them and asks Mary to make up her mind about the relationship.
What your love has done to me
-I take you places all of the time
-Baby baby, now make up your mind
-(You hey you who) Contrary Mary
Repetition of "Contrary Mary" in the chorus.
(You hey you who) Contrary Mary
-(You hey you who) Contrary Mary
-(You hey you who) Contrary Mary
-Hey hey hey - Mary Mary
Repetition of "Hey hey hey - Mary Mary" as a closing refrain.
Hey hey hey - Mary Mary
-Hey hey hey - Mary Mary
-Hey hey hey - Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
-
Comment