Mercy Mercy Me
Marvin Gaye
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Ah, mercy, mercy me, Ah, things ain't what they used to be, no, no. Where did all the blue skies go? Poison is the wind that blows from the north and south and east. Mercy, mercy me, Ah, things ain't what they used to be, no, no. Oil wasted on the ocean and upon Our seas fish full of mercury, Oh, mercy, mercy me. Ah, things ain't what they used to be, no, no, no. Radiation underground and in the sky; Animals and birds who live near by are dying. Oh, mercy, mercy me. Ah, things ain't what they used to be. What about this over crowded land? How much more abuse from man can she stand?
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Marvin Gaye
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Marvin Gaye’s Original Version"Mercy Mercy Me" was originally written and recorded by American soul singer Marvin Gaye. It's one of his most famous songs released on June 10, 1971.
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Environmental ThemesThis song is notable for its strong environmental message, reflecting Gaye's concerns about ecological issues. Lyrics like "Radiation underground and in the sky/Animals and birds who live near by are dying" reflected the growing public concern about the environment in the early 1970s.
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Popularity and ChartsMarvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me" reached the top of the Billboard R&B charts and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also a hit internationally, reaching number one in Canada and making the top 10 in several European countries.
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Cover by David BowieBritish rock singer David Bowie covered "Mercy Mercy Me" as part of a medley with "The Lord's Prayer" on his 1997 Earthling Tour. Bowie's version of "Mercy Mercy Me" was later included on his album "LiveAndWell.com" in 2000.
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Bowie’s ApproachBowie's version of "Mercy Mercy Me" was notable for its electronic and industrial rock elements, adding a new layer of interpretation to Gaye's original composition. Bowie was known for incorporating and reimagining songs from a wide range of genres, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
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Gaye’s Legacy"Mercy Mercy Me" helped establish Marvin Gaye as a serious artist with social commentary, steering away from his previously established pop-soul sound. Today, the song is recognized as one of Gaye's signature songs and continues to be covered and interpreted by numerous artists.
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Awards and RecognitionGaye's "Mercy Mercy Me" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. Rolling Stone magazine also listed the song as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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ImplicationsBoth versions of this song, by Marvin Gaye and David Bowie, highlight how artists of differing genres can interpret the same piece of music. The song therefore serves a sample of the range of musical styles that have emerged over the years.
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Posthumous ReleaseBowie's version of "Mercy Mercy Me" was released as a bonus track on the 2001 reissue of his album "Earthling", following his death in 2016. It remains one of his most well-known covers.
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Tribute to Marvin GayeBowie's cover of "Mercy Mercy Me" was also seen as a tribute to Marvin Gaye, who had a significant influence on Bowie's career. This connection further cements the song as a significant piece in both artists' discographies.
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