About the song
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a blues rendition of the classic nursery rhyme. While the song itself is a simple children’s song, Vaughan’s interpretation adds layers of complexity and themes.
Background:
- Origin: The song was originally written by Buddy Guy, a renowned blues guitarist, and appeared on his 1968 album “A Man and the Blues.”
- Adaptation: Stevie Ray Vaughan adapted the song for his debut album, “Texas Flood,” released in 1983. He stayed true to the original arrangement but added his own signature guitar licks and soulful vocals.
Themes:
- Playfulness and Innocence: The song maintains a playful tone, reminiscent of the nursery rhyme’s origins. Vaughan’s delivery, however, infuses it with blues elements, creating a contrast between childlike innocence and the raw emotions of the blues.
- Nonconformity and Individuality: The lamb’s unwavering loyalty to Mary and its disruption of the school routine can be seen as metaphors for nonconformity and the importance of staying true to oneself. The song celebrates breaking free from societal norms and embracing individuality.
- Longing for Simpler Times: The lyrics mention a “green and yellow basket” and sending a letter to his “baby,” which may evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler, more carefree times.
- Musical Expression: While the lyrics are simple, Vaughan’s guitar playing and vocals are the true stars of the song. His expressive performance showcases the blues’ ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, using simple melodies and chord progressions.
Overall, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a unique blend of childhood nostalgia, bluesy expression, and themes of individuality and freedom. It’s a testament to Vaughan’s musical talent and his ability to transform a simple melody into a powerful blues anthem.
Video
Lyrics
Mary had a little lambHis fleece was white as snow, yeahEverywhere the child wentYour little lamb was sure to go now
He followed her to school one dayAnd broke the teachers coolWhat a time did they haveThat day at school
Tisket, tasket, babyA green and yellow basketSent a letter to my babyAnd on my way I passed it