I wouldn't imagine myself even in the worst nightmares that I would fall in love with folk music. 56 years old, from Central Europe, loving rock'n'roll, metal, heavy metal, Scandinavian dark metal, maybe a bit of blues music - now I am mesmerized and can't stop listening this kind of music. Pure American folk and bluegrass music. And Mean Mary is my favorite female singer. Just WOW!!!
I never liked American country music, but one day I was listening to Mongolian music, which always sounds like hoof beats, and I had enjoyed Japanese farmers singing..which sounded an awful lot like deep growling throat song, and realized I was ignoring a whole genre of folk music just because it was MY folk. The whole amalgamation from Applachia to Ranchero. Many treasures from around the world
have you listened to Billy Strings yet? or Dead South,Sierra Ferrell,Molly Tuttle,A.J.Lee.,Michael Cleveland,Sierra Hull There really is some magnificent talent out there but you won't find it on corporate radio.I have found a lot of new artists(well,new to me) by reading the comments section,I had never heard Greensky except for a commenters suggestion.
@@randyelliott9152 Yes, I have! Billy's rebellious style of playing the guitar or the sound of the cello in the music of Dead South is truly a breath of fresh air. And that Sierra Ferrell, hmmmm...😍. The others are most probably worth checking out which of course I'm going to do. Thanks buddy.
I found Mean Mary by accident scrolling though videos. I love her music, and have seen her perform live 3 times - she is an absolutely amazing performer, and a wonderful person - you can talk to her, unlike so many musicians. You can tell she really loves her music and performing. If you get the chance to see Mean Mary perform live, do not hesitate.
I love your music. I heard you here first but I will never forget the night I just happened to walk into a bar you were playing in BASTROP by accident. You are awesome
This is about the fifth video of various topics I've seen today with a Karen Straughan comment. That's reassuring to me that I'm on the right path in life.
I first ran across this video a few days after my horse had a seizure. It found a special place in my heart. while he's gone now, he had a strong heart and will. He would just never quit. So this song fit him well. Everytime I hear this song, I remember my trusty dunn. So, thank you for this song. Memories live on.
I just want to say I love Mary's playing, so solid. And her vocals are amazing as well. But the fact she sings these patterns over her unique galloping playing style is next level. So talented and original. I tip my hat to you MeanMarry. Ride on.
I find that there is a problem with the music for me at times. I like to have background music playing while doing things that require concentration on the task at hand. I was involved in such an action when I came across this video. I tried to use it and do what I needed to get done, but her work is so compelling that it kept breaking my concentration. Well done Mary, you got my attention.
@@oldfarthacks You might find this interesting: Beethoven did the same to me, with the 2nd mvt of his 5th Piano Concerto. She is right there genius, in her genre. Impossible to ignore.
Awesome voice, Awesome playing, Awesome songwriting, Awesome tunesmithing, Awesome delivery (and as an added bonus: beautiful). The best artiste I have discovered for ages.
I was checking her biography and was surprised to find out that she wrote her first song when she was only five and the song went public when she was six. Not only that her one of her vocal cords was paralized in accident, but recovered. That's nothing less than amazing taking into account her voice and its reach. Plus love her banjo, not a common instrument.
@Carmen Ortiz Her voice is amazing. I love it! However, she does have one eeeensy habit holding her back. Not that her voice lacks sharpness/clarity. She’s got it. But she’s capable of moreso. Her tendency is to overstress or draw out consonants at the end of words. She needs to shortenl her consonants but increase the length and emphasis of her vowels. Her voice is amazing. I know seems like a small diff of no import but the difference this change of habit makes to the sound shouldn’t be underestimated. I would love to hear her sing with the oooomph added of that one itty bitty improvement.
Stumbled upon this through some random chain of YouTubing and loved it. Then a few weeks later I saw her picture in a window in the high street of the little village I worked in in the UK - she was coming there on tour, all the way from the USA to the totally obscure and unremarkable backwater of Baldock, Hertfordshire - what are the chances?! Of course I went to the gig, she and her brother playing to an audience of no more than 50 in a pub. Great banter with the crowd, got a signed CD. And I've never seen anyone play like that - her hands were a motion-blur - virtuoso on banjo, guitar and fiddle!
not just that... she has been playing and singing since she was like 2 or 4... but when she was 16 or so she was in a car accident. and her face/vocal cords were paralyzed. she literally had to learn how to sing and play all over again.
Saw her last year in Pensacola Florida along with Roman Street. Had never heard of her before but like her a lot. She is from this part of the country. And yes she was barefoot.....
Probably one of the absolute best country songs ever written! Your banjo riff is every bit as inspired as it is inspiring! I can't imagine any horse -iron or otherwise - having a stronger stride than your mysterious midnight black banjo when it goes all in. Props for the whole production! Keep on pickin', singin' and srummin' from the heart!
I absolutely did not think there was another train song out there that desperately needed to be written, and yet, on this cold February day in 2021, I learned that I was wrong. No apologies, only gratitude 🙏
It's rare to hear them good ole train songs nowadays but this nailed it. First time hearing this song and reminds me a lot of the rails, I worked on for a few years. Them iron horses are beasts full of metal, diesel, and electricity.
This woman can play and sing like no other. A great sound love all her songs. Great talent. Love your music. Continue. I saw you live at Riverbend in Chattanooga and had my picture made with you. Thanks for what you do. All the best.
this song is so amazing its like a western epic in a song. The vocals are so beautiful and crisp.That banjo is so clear and fast.This is what real country sounds like.
How did this get into my feed...... and why didn't it get there sooner. WOW! I loved this and it is 10 years old. I can't believe I have not seen this before.
I have several of her albums; they're all gold! Her skill is such that I've also been considering buying the novels she writes with her mom - if only I had time to sit down and enjoy a novel.
Great song! I am neither a Southerner nor a country boy, I am actually half-Slavic but I really like this song. It's too bad artists of your ability don't get the appreciation they should be getting. It makes my day to listen to songs like this one.
Amen brother. Our so called country station in south west Montana 100.7 plays garbage. This new age crap that is being pushed on us is terrible. I like new music with traditional sound and instruments.
@@thehouseofcrumblingidols2694 So many people are awake to the Babylonian system now.. Way easier today to convince somebody than in the 80s and 90s, since the serpent hardly hides now. Sure, more of the youth is pulled into de generative acts, but that pain will convert many of them if only we can be there with open arms & a better way. We shall see what happens.
Me too. Until tonight I’d only heard this song once, but that was all it took for those two lines in particular to get into my head and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them. Two days later and here I am haha
This is the song that youtube suggested many years ago. I am still thankful for it. Mary is truly a gifted woman and I regret 0 seconds of the time I have listened to her.
I can remember the joy of seeing Mean Mary and Frank perform on a pass-the-hat basis in the military camps at SE Civil War reenactments back when she was maybe 15 or 16. Like fine whiskey she has gotten better with the passing years. This number is one of her best.
Never heard this lady before today but as I enjoy all kinds of music all I can say is what a magnificent voice and the banjo is a work of art!!! Now I'm hooked Thanks for the hours of entertainment .
I know this is 6 years old, and you probably won't get to read this, but that was freakin' awesome!!! What an incredible voice, and banjo playing to match! 👏👏👏
This is the first song of hers I've heard and one of my favorites. I've always sort of liked the banjo but she brings me a new appreciation for this instrument.
How has this been out since 2013 and I’ve never seen it? Mean Mary is great! I respect her both for her musical talents AND her ability to walk barefoot on railroad track rocks seemingly painlessly!
I am so mad at RUclips for not showing me this sooner and at the same time so happy it showed me here at all. Never heard of this artist until just now. Now will never forget her. Today is gonna be fun digging through Mean Marys back catalogue, absolutely thrilled. New Subscriber with the bell on.
3 years ago I rode across the Southern States on a bicycle from St Augustine FLA to Santa Monica Pier CA. Every day or every other day I would see the Union Pacific Steel horses, pulling those box cars. The sounds of the horns will stay with me for ever, I swear that after a while the Drivers would recognise "the guy in yellow, on the bike" and sound their horn. Mean Mary's Banjo and voice is the perfect soundtrack for the memories in my head. My best adventure yet.
My heart strings haven't been strummed that way in a very long time. I am completely enamored by your voice and your music... Thanks to you and you mom. God Bless you Both...
I still can't get over how awesome the lyrics are. Copied from the official site but these are some of my favorite lines of English ever put together. We rode the plains as lovers do We raced beneath the summer sun My dusky eyes met his so blue Our soaring spirits breathed as one We blazed our love across the sky Surrendered to its ancient force Until the day he said goodbye And climbed aboard the Iron horse Its whistle cut me like a blade I loathed its screaming, smoky cry How could he leave His Indian maid? I’ll ride like wind and ask him why Astride my fearless painted dun I chose my pace and set my course To catch this demon on the run My steed against this iron horse Through the thunder of its blare I yelled my fury at the beast Wasted words lost in the air As it roared its way forever east
I noticed that you forgot to include this paragraph as part of the chorus: I heard its challenge loud and shrill As we chased it off the Great Divide. Though my steed had the stronger will, The Iron Horse had the longer stride.
Banjo is an easy instrument to play, but it's a hard instrument to play well. Mean Mary takes it to the next dimension. She's up there with Flatt and Scruggs. By God I love her playing.
well, said FirstUsedBooks, easy to learn, hard to put to good use... just like talking ... or click thumbs up/down :) why do so many people downvote this video?
As a Brit, country and western is not part of my heritage and a I am more of a blues rock kinda guy, but I have to say I love this, it’s a great track and now in my favourites!
I've been going down a bit of a rabbit hole into modern bluegrass starting with Billy Strings, then Molly Tuttle, and now I find this awesome lady. Great stuff out there.
Can't stop listening to this; looked up the lyrics to ascertain that I missed nothing. Speaking as a retired English prof, I find Mean Mary's poetic diction/internal rhyme/incremental repetition to be right on target. The rough rhythm of the lyrics balances beautifully against her "galloping" banjo rhythms, adding to the rough emotions experienced by the narrator. A deceptively simple tale, "Iron Horse" illustrates the heartache of all lovers who follow different stars. . .
Trust me there is NO REASON TO ANALYZE THIS SONG THAT MUCH!!! And asserting that you are a retired English Prof only shows how ignorant you can truly be!! After all I would much rather (personally) just say I love this song and be honest and sincere about it!! BUT if you have to read THAT MUCH into music then you are wasting your education by over complicating EVERYTHING in your live!! And while they say "ignorance is bliss", I still find it totally stupid to have to validate yourself by mentioning your education as though some of us are supposed to be "impressed" by it!! In other words your superiority complex is no validation for actual "intelligence", but just the same I love this song and I am just a high school graduate with a love for GREAT MUSIC, if I have to reduce my logic to YOUR LEVEL, but honestly who gives a rats furry white butt what my (or your) education level is in all honesty and sincerity!!!!!
Wow -- expressing my own appreciation for a superb song by a superb musician certainly got YOUR tail in a twist! In all honesty and sincerity, if you need to attack me instead of enjoying Mean Mary's music, YOU, dear sir, are the one who needs "validation."
I keep coming back to this song, and this video, every now and again. It's like musical comfort food... Just what we need in these parlous times. Stay safe, everyone; and may the Almighty be with all of you for the duration and beyond.
Fantastic talent both vocally and with the banjo. I suspect that any song that you sing a capella is a pleasure to listen to. The instrument just makes it more so. Best wishes in your career!
This song is so gorgeous it's choking me up, I'm just blown away! The lyrics are exhilarating and sad at the same time, and that voice! New fan here, what took me so long?
![The Dead South - In Hell I'll Be In Good Company [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/B9FzVhw8_bY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
My FedEx driver was listening to this in his truck caught my ear immediately. Great find!!!
Me 2
in not from land of the free but her music is sweet
Looked at a few comments Yours is pretty awesome.
Is what is
sounds made up
I wouldn't imagine myself even in the worst nightmares that I would fall in love with folk music. 56 years old, from Central Europe, loving rock'n'roll, metal, heavy metal, Scandinavian dark metal, maybe a bit of blues music - now I am mesmerized and can't stop listening this kind of music. Pure American folk and bluegrass music. And Mean Mary is my favorite female singer. Just WOW!!!
check out irish rebel music
I never liked American country music, but one day I was listening to Mongolian music, which always sounds like hoof beats, and I had enjoyed Japanese farmers singing..which sounded an awful lot like deep growling throat song, and realized I was ignoring a whole genre of folk music just because it was MY folk. The whole amalgamation from Applachia to Ranchero. Many treasures from around the world
have you listened to Billy Strings yet? or Dead South,Sierra Ferrell,Molly Tuttle,A.J.Lee.,Michael Cleveland,Sierra Hull There really is some magnificent talent out there but you won't find it on corporate radio.I have found a lot of new artists(well,new to me) by reading the comments section,I had never heard Greensky except for a commenters suggestion.
@@randyelliott9152 Yes, I have! Billy's rebellious style of playing the guitar or the sound of the cello in the music of Dead South is truly a breath of fresh air. And that Sierra Ferrell, hmmmm...😍. The others are most probably worth checking out which of course I'm going to do. Thanks buddy.
All my goodness listene to all music. But she someone very special.
I found Mean Mary by accident scrolling though videos. I love her music, and have seen her perform live 3 times - she is an absolutely amazing performer, and a wonderful person - you can talk to her, unlike so many musicians. You can tell she really loves her music and performing. If you get the chance to see Mean Mary perform live, do not hesitate.
Снова и снова возвращаюсь и смотрю.... Настоящая "Американщина" ! ))) Bravo Mean Mary !!!!
We can only concur.
Greatest accidental click of my life
Prosím pizu pikantní
Me too!
Mean Mary freaking rocks
Same here.
Totally agreed
I love your music. I heard you here first but I will never forget the night I just happened to walk into a bar you were playing in BASTROP by accident. You are awesome
All I can say is AWESOME! How have I missed this beautiful lady's wonderful voice and talent all these years???
YEAH! ...the rythm of the instrument , the voice, the song... EVERYTHING IS PERFECT!!
Indeed, a prime shining example of the music style. So very well done.
I like the way the strumming after "the longer stride" evokes the hoofbeats of a horse at full gallop. Very subtle, but powerful.
Not only fast but great!
Hey there, Karen.
Its a small world.
Thank you, and keep up the good work. 🙂
You should listen to the song Four Horsemen by Metallica. Good horse trot sound!
This is about the fifth video of various topics I've seen today with a Karen Straughan comment. That's reassuring to me that I'm on the right path in life.
oh Karen Straughan, now I know why youtube recommended me this video.
I wasn't expecting such a beautiful smokey voice. Paired with some incredible banjo picking makes her absolutely amazing.
I first ran across this video a few days after my horse had a seizure. It found a special place in my heart. while he's gone now, he had a strong heart and will. He would just never quit. So this song fit him well. Everytime I hear this song, I remember my trusty dunn. So, thank you for this song. Memories live on.
@gregnormal072 I would say yes a fan. She puts out some incredible music.
I just want to say I love Mary's playing, so solid. And her vocals are amazing as well. But the fact she sings these patterns over her unique galloping playing style is next level. So talented and original. I tip my hat to you MeanMarry. Ride on.
I find that there is a problem with the music for me at times. I like to have background music playing while doing things that require concentration on the task at hand. I was involved in such an action when I came across this video. I tried to use it and do what I needed to get done, but her work is so compelling that it kept breaking my concentration. Well done Mary, you got my attention.
@@oldfarthacks You might find this interesting: Beethoven did the same to me, with the 2nd mvt of his 5th Piano Concerto. She is right there genius, in her genre. Impossible to ignore.
@@oldfarthacks Sounds like a good problem to have
I don't know much about playing banjo, guitar or singing , but I know what I like.
This was done in new mexico , yes?
Awesome voice, Awesome playing, Awesome songwriting, Awesome tunesmithing, Awesome delivery (and as an added bonus: beautiful). The best artiste I have discovered for ages.
I was checking her biography and was surprised to find out that she wrote her first song when she was only five and the song went public when she was six. Not only that her one of her vocal cords was paralized in accident, but recovered. That's nothing less than amazing taking into account her voice and its reach. Plus love her banjo, not a common instrument.
Love to hear her play and sing just heard of her last 2 years and when I listen to hermy 4 year old granddaughter comes to listen also. Thank you
She doesn’t look that mean-guess it refers to her talent❣️
@@earthspeakorg
That's what she calls herself, she plays a "mean" banjo.
@@earthspeakorg apparently she started calling herself that when she was a little kid and just stuck with it.
@Carmen Ortiz
Her voice is amazing. I love it!
However, she does have one eeeensy habit holding her back. Not that her voice lacks sharpness/clarity. She’s got it. But she’s capable of moreso. Her tendency is to overstress or draw out consonants at the end of words. She needs to shortenl her consonants but increase the length and emphasis of her vowels. Her voice is amazing. I know seems like a small diff of no import but the difference this change of habit makes to the sound shouldn’t be underestimated. I would love to hear her sing with the oooomph added of that one itty bitty improvement.
Stumbled upon this through some random chain of YouTubing and loved it. Then a few weeks later I saw her picture in a window in the high street of the little village I worked in in the UK - she was coming there on tour, all the way from the USA to the totally obscure and unremarkable backwater of Baldock, Hertfordshire - what are the chances?! Of course I went to the gig, she and her brother playing to an audience of no more than 50 in a pub. Great banter with the crowd, got a signed CD. And I've never seen anyone play like that - her hands were a motion-blur - virtuoso on banjo, guitar and fiddle!
Cool!
not just that... she has been playing and singing since she was like 2 or 4... but when she was 16 or so she was in a car accident. and her face/vocal cords were paralyzed. she literally had to learn how to sing and play all over again.
Want to see her when she was little. Search Mean Mary Country Boy Eddie show Birmingham Alabama on You Tube! I think she was 6.
What a fantastic coincidence, and a great story. Thanks for the share!
Saw her last year in Pensacola Florida along with Roman Street. Had never heard of her before but like her a lot. She is from this part of the country. And yes she was barefoot.....
Iron Horse is the first Mean Mary song I heard, and is definitely my favorite!! Banjo, Voice, Lyrics, Style, LOve it!!
Hey how are you doing..?
AND VIDEO‼️
Love for Old Banjo.
This is amazing. How you make the banjo sound like a horse sprinting and a train winding up at the same time is masterfully executed.
She's really, good! Xx. great song xx
I'm pretty sure she's taking inspiration from tsugaru shamisen. If you're digging her phrasing here, there's a good chance you'll love tsugaru.
@@MARYANNE269
Mean Mary is the coolest sound I discovered during these last couple of crazy years. Pure Talent.
I completely agree!!! Just found out about her amazing!!!
Dead South
She's amazing.
Jesse Welles and Mean Mary came to me this same night....
And yet, this is more than decade past. How time flies ...
Probably one of the absolute best country songs ever written!
Your banjo riff is every bit as inspired as it is inspiring! I can't imagine any horse -iron or otherwise - having a stronger stride than your mysterious midnight black banjo when it goes all in.
Props for the whole production! Keep on pickin', singin' and srummin' from the heart!
My Gramps strummed the ' jo... Thanks for keeping the memory alive...lovely music...
THAT FACE, THAT VOICE... I COULD FALL FOR YOU IN A HEARTBEAT!!! SIGH.
That closing instrumental is nothing short of blissful. This is outstanding.
I absolutely did not think there was another train song out there that desperately needed to be written, and yet, on this cold February day in 2021, I learned that I was wrong. No apologies, only gratitude 🙏
Agreed. One can never have enough train songs
I live every day at work with a double track train rail. It gives me a lot of overtime. cant cross the tracks when they sit for hours.
It's rare to hear them good ole train songs nowadays but this nailed it. First time hearing this song and reminds me a lot of the rails, I worked on for a few years. Them iron horses are beasts full of metal, diesel, and electricity.
Have you heard, Train Man by Sahara Smith?
i haven't...yet. searching now 🙂
Goosebumps all over my body... absolutely perfect... I've heard this song so many times, yet I get this feeling every single time I hear it.
This woman can play and sing like no other. A great sound love all her songs. Great talent. Love your music. Continue. I saw you live at Riverbend in Chattanooga and had my picture made with you. Thanks for what you do. All the best.
it's easier to sing along if you change the speed to 0.75
@@Belchmaster41 thanks for that little piece of advice
I agree 100%
I never knew you could change the speed. Thanks for sharing.
I trust you've watched Cotton Eyed Joe
Hi from the UK - thank you for a beautiful performance and video, and please thank your mom for nurturing such a talent ...
What else can you say, except this woman is phenomenal.
I enjoy this over and over. Mean Mary is the best. Love that voice.
Love this song! Amazing singer, songwriter, musician, entertainer! Love you! You rock!
this song is so amazing its like a western epic in a song. The vocals are so beautiful and crisp.That banjo is so clear and fast.This is what real country sounds like.
I love that this vid is 8 years old and peple are still enjoying it. Nice VOD!!
How did this get into my feed...... and why didn't it get there sooner. WOW! I loved this and it is 10 years old. I can't believe I have not seen this before.
SO beautiful, fantastic banjo!!!! Never get tired of this love Mary's voice...
First time I've ever heard her music. I would not hesitate to buy her album. She is great to listen to. Keep it upp mean mary
I have several of her albums; they're all gold! Her skill is such that I've also been considering buying the novels she writes with her mom - if only I had time to sit down and enjoy a novel.
Great song! I am neither a Southerner nor a country boy, I am actually half-Slavic but I really like this song. It's too bad artists of your ability don't get the appreciation they should be getting. It makes my day to listen to songs like this one.
I came across Mean Mary and am really glad to hear her. I love her sounds so much. Totally unexpected. God bless her.
Wow !!! An actual original voice in American folk music. REALLY great
I was just thinking the same thing!
My sentiments exactly.
Good to see people still exist that play with their passion and not for money and fame
Do you remember Joni Mitchell's song "Playing Real Good for Free"? Same theme.
I was in bluegrass/old timey bands for 30 years plying guitar and mandolin and Mary;s banjo and guitar work get me on my feet YAY!!!
LOVE IT!! Came across this by accident, or maybe it wasn't. Had to check it out and glad I did. Perfect voice and great picking.
All hail the RUclips algorithm.
We need more of this and less of that crap on the radio being passed off as country music. What country?
Amen brother. Our so called country station in south west Montana 100.7 plays garbage. This new age crap that is being pushed on us is terrible. I like new music with traditional sound and instruments.
Babylon's finest country tunes!
@@thehouseofcrumblingidols2694 So many people are awake to the Babylonian system now..
Way easier today to convince somebody than in the 80s and 90s, since the serpent hardly hides now.
Sure, more of the youth is pulled into de generative acts, but that pain will convert many of them if only we can be there with open arms & a better way.
We shall see what happens.
All the new country crap sounds alike. Same steel guitar. Just different words.
@@joecausey8508 And LOUD!
I love the last lines of the chorus, "Though my steed had the stronger will
The iron horse had the longer stride"
Rik Osborne has a
Me too. Until tonight I’d only heard this song once, but that was all it took for those two lines in particular to get into my head and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them. Two days later and here I am haha
@@Dreamscape195 That's what real poetry does to you, and this lady is one helluva poet!
These lines, are the cause I have the song on my playlist. So epic. :D
though my steed had the stronger will
the iron horse was made of stronger steel
Wow! I’ve never heard of her until today. What a picker and that soulful voice just amazing. Wish I could give it more than one thumbs up
This is the song that youtube suggested many years ago. I am still thankful for it. Mary is truly a gifted woman and I regret 0 seconds of the time I have listened to her.
Not easy to keep a song so intense going for so long with dynamic changes. Great voice, deep feeling riding over that banjo. Impressive and beautiful.
absolutely stunning great voice and the banjo is simply amazing, big fan here! Principle Chief Mark Nightwolf, Woodland Band of Cherokee.
ﾋ@Leonardo's Truth
I can remember the joy of seeing Mean Mary and Frank perform on a pass-the-hat basis in the military camps at SE Civil War reenactments back when she was maybe 15 or 16. Like fine whiskey she has gotten better with the passing years. This number is one of her best.
i so want to see her in concert
I watched her sing and play when she was just a little girl. She has some awesome talent. Glad to see she is still at it.
Never heard this lady before today but as I enjoy all kinds of music all I can say is what a magnificent voice and the banjo is a work of art!!! Now I'm hooked
Thanks for the hours of entertainment .
What a wonderful, true bluegrass voice you have! Thank you so much!
Mary, wow I really love this. A haunting back beat illustrating the inevitable...
Looking forward to seeing you in Raleigh NC.
Thanks, Mary. Well crafted. Love your performances and your songwriting.
What a voice ! What a banjo player ! Fantastic. Thank you
WOW! fantastic sound and beautiful,soulful voice...so glad I found this!
WOW! Great voice, great song, Massive banjo!
Where have you been all of my life???? Instant fan, love the banjo, love your voice.
I know this is 6 years old, and you probably won't get to read this, but that was freakin' awesome!!! What an incredible voice, and banjo playing to match! 👏👏👏
I have just fallen deeply in love. This is the real deal. I need more Mean Mary in my life. And that black banjo, oh man. Great great video.
This is the first song of hers I've heard and one of my favorites. I've always sort of liked the banjo but she brings me a new appreciation for this instrument.
I WAS SO PLEASED WHEN I FOUND MEAN MARY LOVED HER MUSIC AND VOICE AND SHARED HER WITH MANY AND THEY LOVED HER AS MUCH LOVE N BLESSINGS FROM THE UK
She is SLAYING it! Terrific banjo and vocals!
WOW ... this is one of those happy accidents on RUclips. Absolutely great stuff
Freaking awesome tune. Been preaching your praises all over the west coast of canada and vancouver island cheers
Fastest fingers I ever seen amen
Awesome taters
Most original artist I've come across in a long time. The bear feet is just a plus. Bless your heart.
How has this been out since 2013 and I’ve never seen it? Mean Mary is great! I respect her both for her musical talents AND her ability to walk barefoot on railroad track rocks seemingly painlessly!
WOW, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS I'VE EVER HEARD!!!! BEUATIFUL MARY!!!!!! And so are YOU!!
Damn! Beautiful woman, beautiful voice, great job on banjo.
Outstanding!!!!
iam come mather wha can i help you tell AS I need freedom
I am so mad at RUclips for not showing me this sooner and at the same time so happy it showed me here at all.
Never heard of this artist until just now. Now will never forget her.
Today is gonna be fun digging through Mean Marys back catalogue, absolutely thrilled.
New Subscriber with the bell on.
That's some mighty fine picking, mighty fine. Loved it!!!
3 years ago I rode across the Southern States on a bicycle from St Augustine FLA to Santa Monica Pier CA. Every day or every other day I would see the Union Pacific Steel horses, pulling those box cars. The sounds of the horns will stay with me for ever, I swear that after a while the Drivers would recognise "the guy in yellow, on the bike" and sound their horn. Mean Mary's Banjo and voice is the perfect soundtrack for the memories in my head. My best adventure yet.
My heart strings haven't been strummed that way in a very long time. I am completely enamored by your voice and your music... Thanks to you and you mom. God Bless you Both...
في بلدي المغرب منذ ستينيات القرن الماضي اعجبو بآلة البانجو و صنعو بعض الملاحم الموسيقية
أحبك لالة الفنانة القديرة الجميلة ❤❤❤❤
Dang. . . Trains. A woman's sweet voice. And a banjo played correctly. It's great to be alive.
All three are present here..and they make this piece,a MASTERPIECE!
Love your voice, it has a haunting sound and the sound you get out of the banjo is just beautiful.
La vois de miss meary me blesse d un cote et son bonjo de l autre
If you like her you'll LOVE Buffy St Marie, who she sounds pretty much identical to.
ali Servan yuiioo
Mean Mary your hot in more ways than one. I would marry you tomorrow
Perhaps she's the Buffy of this generation; I had all of Buffy's records when I was younger. Remember her playing the mouth bow?
I still can't get over how awesome the lyrics are.
Copied from the official site but these are some of my favorite lines of English ever put together.
We rode the plains as lovers do
We raced beneath the summer sun
My dusky eyes met his so blue
Our soaring spirits breathed as one
We blazed our love across the sky
Surrendered to its ancient force
Until the day he said goodbye
And climbed aboard the Iron horse
Its whistle cut me like a blade
I loathed its screaming, smoky cry
How could he leave His Indian maid?
I’ll ride like wind and ask him why
Astride my fearless painted dun
I chose my pace and set my course
To catch this demon on the run
My steed against this iron horse
Through the thunder of its blare
I yelled my fury at the beast
Wasted words lost in the air
As it roared its way forever east
I noticed that you forgot to include this paragraph as part of the chorus:
I heard its challenge loud and shrill
As we chased it off the Great Divide.
Though my steed had the stronger will,
The Iron Horse had the longer stride.
Great lyrics indeed
And the Iron horse is speeding free....
The last line.
@@martinamonicamaestas9072 pretty sure that supposed to be "and the Iron Horse's speed increased".
Wow...
Great original picking banjp arrangement / awesome voice and dress!
Mary, you have a GREAT voice and those banjo rolls are incredible!
Banjo is an easy instrument to play, but it's a hard instrument to play well. Mean Mary takes it to the next dimension. She's up there with Flatt and Scruggs. By God I love her playing.
well, said FirstUsedBooks, easy to learn, hard to put to good use... just like talking ... or click thumbs up/down :) why do so many people downvote this video?
this machine KILLS my fingers. It is not easy to learn at all, the entry point is the killer, not after you learn basic rolls
She has a great voice too
Nah , picking is not easy. i learned guitar and banjo and found guitar faster to learn.
AruARVCreator & FirstUsedBooks:
I utterly agree on the greatness of this consumate musician!
Just discovered your music. Your banjo playing is amazing, and you have a beautiful voice.
... and nice legs. Just sayin
I love Mean Mary, she plays excellent and sings like an angel.
As a Brit, country and western is not part of my heritage and a I am more of a blues rock kinda guy, but I have to say I love this, it’s a great track and now in my favourites!
Well, this isn't country and western. But agreed, she does a great job with it!
As a Brit, you should be happy to know that this music evolved from what the Scots-irish forced "immigrants" developed in the Appalachians.
This lady needs to be shared. She is Fantastic.
Hello how are you doing..?
2020 who loves some Mean Mary?
Me💚🎶
I’m among that number 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾
Doc Me too. I really could listen to her all day
Me too...
Me
Who is this? And why haven't my ears been blessed with this until now?
Mary, I totally love your music. You are a musical genius. Thank you for sharing your gift! God bless you. ☺
I've been going down a bit of a rabbit hole into modern bluegrass starting with Billy Strings, then Molly Tuttle, and now I find this awesome lady. Great stuff out there.
Try some Summer War ! Theres a TopangaFiddleBanjoFest May 17th 2020 Agoura Hills
Johnny Cash would be very proud.....great work !!!!
10 years later this is still fire. Love the guitar and the vocals, so good!
Damn where did you come from somewhere back in time? When you play that banjo is heart pounding amazing! Unique voice to and Powerful. Big fan here
New favorite song. Rarely in my life have i been moved to tears because something is so good. This is one of those times. I am truly stunned.
Can't stop listening to this; looked up the lyrics to ascertain that I missed nothing. Speaking as a retired English prof, I find Mean Mary's poetic diction/internal rhyme/incremental repetition to be right on target. The rough rhythm of the lyrics balances beautifully against her "galloping" banjo rhythms, adding to the rough emotions experienced by the narrator. A deceptively simple tale, "Iron Horse" illustrates the heartache of all lovers who follow different stars. . .
Whats that your saying?
Speak american pore favor
How about gotta be pure lover of English songs and poetry?
Trust me there is NO REASON TO ANALYZE THIS SONG THAT MUCH!!! And asserting that you are a retired English Prof only shows how ignorant you can truly be!! After all I would much rather (personally) just say I love this song and be honest and sincere about it!! BUT if you have to read THAT MUCH into music then you are wasting your education by over complicating EVERYTHING in your live!! And while they say "ignorance is bliss", I still find it totally stupid to have to validate yourself by mentioning your education as though some of us are supposed to be "impressed" by it!! In other words your superiority complex is no validation for actual "intelligence", but just the same I love this song and I am just a high school graduate with a love for GREAT MUSIC, if I have to reduce my logic to YOUR LEVEL, but honestly who gives a rats furry white butt what my (or your) education level is in all honesty and sincerity!!!!!
Wow -- expressing my own appreciation for a superb song by a superb musician certainly got YOUR tail in a twist! In all honesty and sincerity, if you need to attack me instead of enjoying Mean Mary's music, YOU, dear sir, are the one who needs "validation."
Listen to Jezebel by her some time. Its even more amazing
Such a beautiful soulful voice! And that pickin'! Wow! 🕊
Love the song and I never ever get tired of listening to a banjo being picked!
I keep coming back to this song, and this video, every now and again.
It's like musical comfort food...
Just what we need in these parlous times.
Stay safe, everyone; and may the Almighty be with all of you for the duration and beyond.
Fantastic talent both vocally and with the banjo. I suspect that any song that you sing a capella is a pleasure to listen to. The instrument just makes it more so. Best wishes in your career!
OMG she is amazing!!!
MM's solo at 4:00 gives me the chills. The comment section says it all. This is a masterpiece. Well done!
This song is so gorgeous it's choking me up, I'm just blown away! The lyrics are exhilarating and sad at the same time, and that voice! New fan here, what took me so long?
She sounds and picks great. She looks stunning walking down those RxR tracks. Nice!!!