What Will My Mary Say?

Toward the end of last week (Thursday, I think), the 1963 Johnny Mathis hit, “What Will My Mary Say,” played on Honolulu’s 99.5 The Jewel, and somehow indelibly re-etched itself into my sentimental and feeble psyche.

Every morning since then, I’ve awakened with the song occupying the jukebox of my mind. I’m sure you’ve experienced times like this – it’s when a song “gets stuck in your head.”

It’s been a while since I’ve heard it, but the words just came back to me, as oldies often do. Back then, I heard it a lot, because “Mary” rose to #9 on the pop charts that year.

It is a beautiful song, but I could do with a different song in my head. So I figured that maybe if I wrote about it, this would serve as a catharsis and change the 45-rpm record that’s spinning on my mental turntable.

What Will My Mary Say?

I must be going (Female: Don't go)
My heart is showing (Don't go)
I better hurry awa-ay-ay-ay-ay
If I don't leave I'll be sorry
What will my Mary say?

Your lips are thrilling
My arms are willing
I know that I shouldn't stay-ay-ay-ay-ay
If I don't leave I'll be sorry
What will my Mary say?

What would I do if she should need me
And find me kissing you?
She's always trusted me completely
Her poor heart would bre-ea-eak in two

I must be going (Don't go)
My heart is showing (Don't go)
I better hurry awa-ay-ay-ay-ay
If I don't leave I'll be sorry
What will my Mary say?

If I don't leave I'll be sorry
What will my Mary say?

(Don't go … Don't go)

Better yet, listen for yourself and sing along …

"What Will My Mary Say" by Johnny Mathis

Sorry, but now YOU’RE going to be singing the song for the rest of the day.