About The Song
“Hello Mary Lou” was written by Gene Pitney and first recorded by Johnny Duncan in 1960, before Ricky Nelson’s rendition at United Western Recorders Studios on March 22, 1961. Released as a double A-side with “Travelin’ Man,” Nelson’s version reached No. 9 on the Billboard music charts on May 28, 1961, showcasing its widespread appeal.
The song tells the story of love at first sight, as Mary Lou steals the narrator’s heart with simple yet memorable lyrics, mentioning her name 14 times in just a 2:17 running time. While the song’s surface is about infatuation, its deeper layers explore themes of youthful romance and the overwhelming emotions of encountering someone special.
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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 oo I wanted you forever more
Now I’m not one that gets around
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
My arms about good an’ 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 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