Mary Mack Song Lyrics And Chords

"Mary Mack" is a traditional Scottish/Irish folk song that has become popular in Irish music circles due to its fast-paced, humorous nature and catchy tune. The song is a lively tongue-twister that tells the story of a young man’s efforts to court and marry a girl named Mary Mack.

Song Meaning and Themes

1. Playful Courtship:
   The song’s narrator expresses his determination to marry Mary Mack and humorously describes the preparations and obstacles along the way. The light-hearted lyrics reflect a cheeky, flirtatious take on romance.
   
2. Parental Approval:
   One of the recurring themes is the need for approval from Mary’s mother before the marriage can proceed. This is a common theme in traditional Irish and Scottish songs, reflecting the importance of family in courtship and marriage decisions.
   
3. Speed and Repetition:
   The fast, repetitive lyrics are part of the song’s charm and challenge. Singing it quickly without stumbling is a fun, communal experience, often leading to laughs in pub singalongs or folk performances.
   
4. Celebration of Tradition:
   "Mary Mack" reflects traditional matchmaking customs and humorous storytelling, which are central to the Irish and Scottish folk song tradition.
   

Notable Lyrics"There's a nice wee lass and her name is Mary Mack,
Make no mistake, she's the girl I'm going to take."
This opening line sets the upbeat, determined tone of the song, with the narrator fully committed to wooing Mary Mack.

Legacy and Popularity

• The song has been covered by numerous Irish and Scottish folk bands, such as The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners, making it a pub favorite.
• It is often performed at ceilidhs, weddings, and other traditional gatherings due to its lively, danceable nature.

(A Lively Traditional two-chord folk song) Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy [ lyrics ] played this song in C minor, using a capo on the 4th fret. The sheet music notes are included.

Chorus 
Mary (Am)Mac's father's making Mary Mac marry me 
My (G)father's making me marry Mary Mac 
And (Am)I'm going to marry Mary to get married and take (G)care of me 
We'll (Am)all be making merry when I (G)marry Mary (Am)Mac

 There's a (Am)nice wee lass and her name's Mary Mac 
Make (G)no mistake, she's the miss I'm going to take 
There's a (Am)lot of other chaps that would get up on her (G)track 
But I'm (Am)thinking that they'd have to get up (G)ear(Am)ly.

Chorus

Now (Am)this wee lass she has a lot of brass 
She (G)has a lot of gas and her father thinks I'm class 
So I'd (Am)be a silly ass to let the matter (G)pass 
Her (Am)father thinks she suits me (G)fair(Am)ly

Chorus

Now (Am)Mary and her Mither gain an awful lot together 
In (G)fact you never see the one or the one without the other 
And the (Am)fellows often wonder if it's Mary or her (G)mither 
Or the (Am)both of them together that I'm (G)cour(Am)tin'

Chorus

Now the (Am)wedding day's on Wednesday and everything's arranged 
Her (G)name will soon be changed to mine unless her mind be changed 
And we're (Am)making the arrangements and I'm just a bit de(G)ranged 
For (Am)marriage is an awful under(G)ta(Am)kin'

Chorus

It's (Am)sure to be a grand affair [ lyrics ] and grander than a fair 
There's (G)going to be a coach and pair for every couple there 
We'll (Am)dine upon the finest fare I'm sure to get my (G)share 
If I (Am)don't we'll all be very much mis(G)ta(Am)ken

Chorus

Mary Mack Sheet Music In G Major

The Clancy Brothers And Tommy Makem Song Mary Mack

There's another song with a very similar name that's called ''Miss Mary Mack'' . The sheet music for the song is below. Tin whistle and mandolin tab.

​Miss Mary Mack mandolin tab