20 Songs With the Name Mary in the Title

In music, certain names echo louder than others. And one that has consistently resonated with artists across the decades and genres is the lovely, enduring ‘Mary.’ Here is a curated list of 20 such songs that feature Mary in their titles.

Some are ballads of love, longing, and loss while others are joyous tributes to her charm. Some also use the name as an allegory while others celebrate a real-life Mary. We’ve put together a playlist of 20 outstanding songs that pay tribute to this eternally captivating muse – ‘Mary.’

1. “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Spin back to the late ’60s, where you’ll find John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival cooking up a musical storm with “Proud Mary.” This chart-topping hit graced their second album, Bayou Country, and painted a compelling tale of a hard-working washerwoman named Mary. It climbed to a staggering #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, sparking a flurry of covers due to its soaring popularity.

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Proud MaryCreedence Clearwater Revival: Proud Mary

2. “Take a Message to Mary” by Everly Brothers

Cue the classic crooners, The Everly Brothers, who in the late ’50s, released “Take a Message to Mary.” This nostalgic number took listeners on a poignant journey of love and sacrifice. Charting for 13 weeks on the Billboard and hitting a sweet spot on the Canada CHUM Hit Parade, this tune became an unforgettable piece of the ’50s musical mosaic.

Everly Brothers - TAKE A MESSAGE TO MARYEverly Brothers – TAKE A MESSAGE TO MARY

3. “The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix

Enter the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Unleashed in the late ’60s, “The Wind Cries Mary” was an emotional, soul-stirring masterpiece, written after a spat with his girlfriend Kathy Etchingham, whose middle name was Mary. This iconic number has since lived on, covered by greats like Jamie Cullum, Richie Sambora, Sting, and John Mayer, cementing its place in music history.

The Wind Cries MaryThe Wind Cries Mary

4. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Take a bow, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, for giving us “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” Featured on their Greatest Hits album, this infectious track told the tale of an Indiana girl on an Indiana night.

Despite originally being titled “Indiana Girl,” a change of heart led to a change of name and the rest is history. Not only did this song light up the Billboard Hot 100, but its captivating music video featuring Kim Basinger won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - Mary Jane's Last Dance (Official Music Video)Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – Mary Jane’s Last Dance (Official Music Video)

5. “Mary, Don’t You Weep” by Aretha Franklin

Next on the list is the queen of soul herself, Aretha Franklin, with “Mary, Don’t You Weep.” This gospel-infused track was a highlight from her “Amazing Grace” album, and delved into the biblical tale of Mary of Bethany pleading with Jesus to resurrect her brother Lazarus. This spiritual song offers a heartfelt glimpse into faith, love, and the timeless appeal of the name Mary.

Aretha Franklin - Mary, Don't You Weep (Official Audio)Aretha Franklin – Mary, Don’t You Weep (Official Audio)

6. “Sweet Lady Mary” by Faces

Brimming with sentimentality and soul, “Sweet Lady Mary” found its way into our hearts via Faces’ second album from the late ’70s. Rendered as a poignant ballad by the powerhouse trio – Ron Stewart, Ronnie Lane, and Ronnie Wood, this tune truly captures the essence of its era.

Sweet Lady MarySweet Lady Mary

7. “Mary” by Kings of Leon

Next up is “Mary” from the Grammy-nominated album “Come Around Sundown” by Kings of Leon. Released in 2010, this intimate song explores the narrative of marriage and the transformative journey it brings. Fun fact? It was inspired by one of the band members taking the matrimonial plunge.

Kings of Leon - MaryKings of Leon – Mary

8. “Mary Long” by Deep Purple

Deep Purple didn’t hold back on the hard-hitting issues in their 1973 track “Mary Long.” Nestled within their album “Who Do We Think We Are,” this song confronts the perceived paradoxes of religion, and remains an emblematic representation of their signature sound and thought-provoking lyricism.

Deep Purple  Mary LongDeep Purple Mary Long

9. “Now Mary” by The White Stripes

From the vault of the much-beloved, now-retired duo The White Stripes, comes “Now Mary.” Featured in their 2001 album “White Blood Cells,” this song chronicles a man’s complicated relationship with a woman named Mary. The track exudes a palpable tension that leaves listeners hooked, wondering if things will ever work out between the two.

White Stripes - Now MaryWhite Stripes – Now Mary

10. “Cross Eyed Mary” by Jethro Tull

“Cross Eyed Mary” takes us on an unexpected journey into the world of a schoolgirl turned prostitute, a provocative premise that only progressive rock legends Jethro Tull could pull off. Released in 1971, this track stands as a testament to the band’s fearless creativity and narrative prowess.

Jethro Tull - Cross-Eyed MaryJethro Tull – Cross-Eyed Mary

11. “The Thoughts Of Mary Jane” by Nick Drake

Immerse yourself in the thoughtful introspection of Nick Drake’s “The Thoughts Of Mary Jane,” nestled within his album “Five Leaves Left.” Drake’s attempt to fathom the enigmatic Mary’s thoughts crafts an aura of allure and mystery around this track.

The Thoughts Of Mary JaneThe Thoughts Of Mary Jane

12. “Mary Of The Wild Moor” by Johnny Cash

Legendary Johnny Cash breathes life into the timeless folk ballad “Mary Of The Wild Moor,” featured on his acclaimed album “American III: Solitary Man.” This track, released in 2000, is a testament to Cash’s ability to infuse soul and sentiment into any story he sings.

Johnny Cash - Mary Of The Wild MoorJohnny Cash – Mary Of The Wild Moor

13. “Mary Goes ‘Round” by Mr. Big

Lose yourself in the poignant tale of “Mary Goes ‘Round,” a standout track by Mr. Big from their album “Actual Size.” This song sketches the bittersweet narrative of Mary, a woman tumbling from grace, desperately striving for positivity, yet destined for sorrow.

Mr. Big - Mary Goes 'RoundMr. Big – Mary Goes ‘Round

14. “Mary from the Dairy” by Max Miller

This next song is a comical song from the funny mind of Max Miller. Miller is a British comedian, and this song is about Miller who falls for a woman named Mary. This song quickly became one of his most-loved songs.

Mary From The DairyMary From The Dairy

15. “Cousin Mary” by John Coltrane

“Cousin Mary” is from an album called Giant Steps released in 1960. This instrumental tribute to Coltrane’s younger cousin Mary showcases his emotive musical prowess, contributing to the album’s status as one of the most distinctive of its time.

John Coltrane - Cousin MaryJohn Coltrane – Cousin Mary

16. “Mary of Silence” by Mazzy Star

On their early 90s album, “So Tonight That I Might See,” Mazzy Star included a song called “Mary of Silence.” The lyrics’ reference to “Oh Mary of Silence” has often been associated with images of the Virgin Mary statues in Catholic churches.

Mary Of SilenceMary Of Silence

17. “Old Mary” by The Dead Weather

“Old Mary” is a track from The Dead Weather’s “Sea of Cowards” album. The song provides a thought-provoking take on humanity’s state, tackling environmental issues and presenting religious nuances.

Old MaryOld Mary

18. “Blind Mary” by Gnarls Barkley

“Blind Mary” is part of Gnarls Barkley’s “The Odd Couple” album. The song centers around unconditional love, demonstrating how every Mary in our lives deserves unwavering affection and acceptance.

Gnarls Barkley- Blind MaryGnarls Barkley- Blind Mary

19. “Ave Mary A” by P!nk

“Ave Mary A,” featured in P!nk’s “Funhouse” album, addresses the complexities of the world today. It personifies a character named Ave Mary who observes the seemingly chaotic state of the world.

Ave Mary AAve Mary A

20. “If My Mary Were Here” by Harry Chapin

Harry Chapin’s 1976 track, “If My Mary Were Here,” from his album “On The Road To Kingdom Come,” narrates a poignant story of a man missing his beloved Mary, who brought serenity to his life.

Harry Chapin - If My Mary Were HereHarry Chapin – If My Mary Were Here

Final Thoughts

These songs, featuring the name ‘Mary,’ span a range of themes, from love to the challenges of the contemporary world, reflecting the diverse experiences of life. Artists from Johnny Cash to Jimi Hendrix have used the name ‘Mary’ in their songs, showcasing their musical prowess. Whether you’re seeking solace, understanding, or simply appreciating good music, these tracks offer a worthwhile listen.