Hello Mary Lou

Gene Pitney

About Hello Mary Lou

"Hello Mary Lou" is a song written by U. S. singer Gene Pitney first recorded by Johnny Duncan in 1960, and later by Ricky Nelson in 1961. Nelson's version, issued as the B-side of his No. 1 hit "Travelin' Man", (Imperial 5741), reached No. 9 on the Billboard music charts on May 28, 1961. In the United Kingdom, where it was released as an A-side (with "Travelin' Man" as the B-side), it reached No. 2. It was also a hit in much of Europe, particularly Norway, where it spent 14 weeks at No. 1. In New Zealand, the song reached No. 4. A 1991 reissue following the song's use in a TV advert gave the song a second chart run, peaking at No. 45 in the UK Singles Chart. The song features an influential guitar solo by James Burton, often cited by later guitarists such as Brian May. Piano is by Ray Johnson, who had succeeded Gene Garf as Nelson's regular session pianist in November 1959. Other musicians on the record include Joe Osborn on bass and Ritchie Frost on drums. The song appears on Nelson's sixth album Rick Is 21. 


Year:
1995
2:13
78 
#2

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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 
 
You passed me by on sunny day 
Flashed those big brown eyes my way 
And ooo I wanted you for ever more 
Now I`m not one that gets around 
I swear my feet stuck to the ground 
And though I never did meet you before 
 
I said hello Mary Lou goodbye heart 
Sweet Mary Lou I`m so in love with you 
(I love you) 
I knew Mary Lou we`d never part 
So hello Mary Lou goodbye heart 
 
I saw your lips I heard your voice 
Believe me I just had no choice 
While horses couldn`t make me stay away 
I thought about a moonlit night 
My arms around you good and tight 
That`s all I had to see for me to say 
 
Hey hey hello Mary Lou goodbye heart 
Sweet Mary Lou I`m so in love with you 
(I love you) 
I knew Mary Lou we`d never part 
So hello Mary Lou goodbye heart

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Gene Pitney

Gene Francis Alan Pitney (February 17, 1940 – April 5, 2006) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and sound engineer. Through the mid-1960s, he enjoyed success as a recording artist on both sides of the Atlantic and was among the group of early 1960s American acts who continued to enjoy hits after the British Invasion. more »

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Written by: Cayet Mangiaracina, Gene Pitney

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Originality
"Hello Mary Lou" was originally performed by Johnny Duncan in 1960, not Gene Pitney or Ricky Nelson.
Writing
The song was written by Gene Pitney and Cayet Mangiaracina.
Popular Cover
It was covered by Ricky Nelson in 1961 and became a major hit that same year.
Chart performance
Ricky Nelson's version reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. - It also reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying its transatlantic popularity.
Song Style
The song is a classic example of the Rock n Roll genre, characterized by a catchy chorus and rhythm.
Song's Legacy
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Creedence Clearwater Revival and Queen. - The song was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
International Appeal
"Hello Mary Lou" was hugely successful not just in the US and UK, but also in Canada, where Nelson's version reached number 1 as well.
Iconic Song line
The opening line, "Hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart," has become iconic in the annals of pop and rock lyrics.
Gene Pitney original
Although Gene Pitney wrote the song, it's unclear if he ever performed his own version publicly.
Language Versions
There have been variations of this song sung in German and French, demonstrating its worldwide appeal.
Movie Appearance
The song was used in the 1973 film "American Graffiti," nurturing its legacy in popular culture.
Dubbing Controversy
Although Ricky Nelson sang "Hello Mary Lou," in the film "Rio Bravo," it was dubbed by actor Dean Martin in the final cut.

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