Singer-songwriter Hallie Marie has released her new single, “Mary.”
A gut-punching narrative about domestic violence and survival, “Mary” is a blend of rock, blues, and funk, and delivers the story of a woman trapped in an abusive marriage.
Opening up with the sounds of an organ, “Mary” quickly delves into funky basswork and treble-boosted guitar as Hallie Marie’s vocals join over the top. The lyrics cover the beginning of the problem for Mary, how she “got married at just eighteen/he was six foot five/she was five foot three” so we understand just how vulnerable the Mary character is.
It’s a warning and a wake up call, punctuated by Hallie Marie singing “if you can’t see it/I can’t help you” – a familiar and often repeated refrain that people can’t accept help if they’re not fully aware of the help they need.
According to Marie: “I wrote this song about a woman being physically abused by her partner. She is clearly in danger, but she refuses to admit it to herself. She doesn’t consider that he might kill her.”
It’s a dark and difficult subject, made even darker due to how many people may find themselves in this situation for real – and punctuated even further by how at odds “Mary”s style is with its subject matter. The contrast works, and makes for a compelling listen.
Co-produced by Hallie Marie and her longtime collaborator Andreas Landeck, “Mary” also features Jestin Bradford on guitar and Adam Walsh on drums – both of whom were members of Hallie Marie’s previous band, Direville.
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