About the song
“Hello Mary Lou” is a classic song with an interesting history and a broad impact on the music world. Written by Gene Pitney, the song was first recorded by Johnny Duncan in 1960, but it gained widespread fame through Ricky Nelson’s version, recorded on March 22, 1961, at United Western Recorders Studios.
Ricky Nelson’s rendition was released as a double A-side single alongside his major hit “Travelin’ Man.” This pairing proved successful, with “Hello Mary Lou” reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 28, 1961. Its popularity extended beyond the U.S., hitting number 2 in the UK and topping the charts in several European countries, including Norway and Denmark. In Sweden, it spent five months on the best-selling chart, reaching number 2 for eight weeks. The song also achieved number 4 in New Zealand.
James Burton’s influential guitar solo, which features prominently in the track, is often highlighted by musicians, including Brian May of Queen, as a significant influence. The song also showcases the talents of Ray Johnson on piano, Joe Osborn on bass, and Ritchie Frost on drums.
The song’s history includes a notable legal case. It was discovered that “Hello Mary Lou” bore similarities to “Merry, Merry Lou,” written by Cayet Mangiaracina and recorded in 1957. Following a plagiarism claim, Mangiaracina received co-writing credit and a share of the royalties for “Hello Mary Lou.”
The song was revived in 1991 due to its use in a television advertisement, which led to a reissue that peaked at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart.
“Hello Mary Lou” has been covered by various artists over the years, including Patrick Zabé, Siw Malmkvist, Bobby Lewis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, and The Statler Brothers, and even performed by Queen during their 1986 Magic Tour. The song’s enduring appeal underscores its significant place in pop and rock history.
Video
Lyrics
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 one sunny day
Flashed those big brown eyes my way
And ooh I wanted you forever 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 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
Wild horses couldn’t make me stay away
I thought about a moonlit night
Arms around you, good and tight
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 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