Introduction:
“Mercury Blues,” performed by Alan Jackson, is a country music track with deep blues roots. Originally titled “Mercury Boogie,” it was composed by K.C. Douglas and Robert Geddins in 1948. The song became a classic in the blues genre before being widely covered and adapted across styles. Alan Jackson’s rendition was included on his 1993 album A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ‘Bout Love) and was released as a single that same year. His version brought the song into the realm of contemporary country music, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Jackson’s adaptation of “Mercury Blues” is marked by his signature blend of traditional country sounds with modern production. The track pays homage to the original’s themes of freedom and love for Mercury automobiles, retaining its playful, celebratory tone. It became a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning acclaim for its vibrant instrumentation and Jackson’s charismatic delivery.
The song’s cultural significance extends beyond the music charts. Its association with the Mercury car brand led Ford Motor Company to use Jackson’s version in advertisements for their Mercury vehicles during the 1990s. This partnership reinforced the connection between the song’s nostalgic celebration of American car culture and its broader cultural resonance.
Alan Jackson’s “Mercury Blues” stands as a testament to the song’s versatility and timelessness, bridging the gap between blues, rock, and country music while honoring its origins.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Mercury Blues”
I’d tell you what I’d do,
I go downtown buy a Mercury or two.
Crazy bout a Mercury,
Lord I’m crazy bout a Mercury,
I’m gonna buy me a Mercury & cruise it up & down the road.Well the girl I love,
I stole her from a friend.
He got lucky stole her back again,
She heard he had a Mercury.
Lord she’s crazy bout a Mercury.
I’m gonna buy me a Mercury & cruise it up & down the road.
Hey now mama
You look so fine
Driven round in your Mercury 49′
Crazy bout a Mercury
Lord I’m crazy bout a Mercury
I’m gonna buy me a Mercury & cruise it up & down the road.
Well my baby went out
Didn’t stay long,
Bought herself a Mercury, come a cruisen home.
She’s crazy bout a Mercury,
Yeah she’s crazy bout a Mercury.
I’m gonna buy me a Mercury & cruise it up & down the road.
(Ahhh cruise now)
Well if I had money,
I’d tell you what I’d do,
I go downtown buy a Mercury or two.
Crazy bout a Mercury,
Lord I’m crazy bout a Mercury,
I’m gonna buy me a Mercury & cruise it up & down the road.
I’m gonna buy me a Mercury & cruise it up & down the road.
I’m gonna buy me a Mercury & cruise it up & down the road.