Oldie of the week (2) - Robert Palmer, 'Johnny and Mary'

For this week's oldie I took a dive into the beginning of the eighties. At that point, British singer Robert Palmer had already scored some hits like 'Every Kinda People', 'Best of Both Worlds' and 'Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor Doctor)'. Some pretty good songs, but my personal favourite by Palmer was only released in 1980. I'm talking about 'Johnny and Mary'.

Although this song hasn't got a real chorus, it manages to grab and hold the attention of the listener all the way until the ending. I guess it's something special about the slightly sad melody and lyrics. And the voice, of course. 'Johnny and Mary' has been covered so many times, most well known by the likes of Status Quo, Placebo and The Notwist. Most of the cover versions are pretty good (I especially like the one by Placebo), but I'd still pick the original as my favourite anytime. Robert Palmer sings the song exactly as it should be sung. I hope you enjoy it as well. (I've also added the lyrics, I've always thought them to be really good)



Johnny's always running around
Trying to find certainty
He needs all the world to confirm
That he aint lonely
Mary counts the walls
Knows he tires easily

Johnny thinks the world would be right
If it could buy truth from him
Mary says he changes his mind
more than a woman
But she made her bed
Even when the chance was slim

Johnny says hes willing to learn
When he decides hes a fool
Johnny says hell live anywhere
When he earns time to
Mary combs her hair
Says she should be used to it

Mary always hedges her bets
She never knows what to think
She says that he still acts
Like he is being discovered
Scared that he'll be caught
Without a second thought
Running around

Johnny feels hes wasting his breath
Trying to talk sense to her
Mary says hes lacking a real
Sense of proportion
So she combs her hair
Knows he tires easily

Johnny's always running around
Trying to find certainty
He needs all the world to confirm
That he ain't lonely
Mary counts the walls
Says she should be used to it
Johnny's always running around
Running around