“I had a lot of other things going on at the same time, I wasn't paying attention, and before I knew it I had lost her.” »read more
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“I had a lot of other things going on at the same time, I wasn't paying attention, and before I knew it I had lost her.” »read more
Songfacts: You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.
This is based on the book of poems of the same name by Anne Sexton. An American mental patient, she wrote as a form of therapy. Gabriel was impressed that she wrote entirely for herself rather than an audience.
Sexton made 5 suicide attempts, the 5th being successful. She died of carbon monoxide poisoning in 1974.
The end is very intense during live shows. Gabriel uses a high-pitched wail to simulate Sexton's death.
The title came from Sexton's 1969 play 45 Mercy Street. She was also working on a poem with the same title at the time of her death.
Gabriel could relate to Sexton as a deep thinker with a troubling depression who searches for meaning through her art.
Gabriel used the image of darkness on Mercy Street to signal Sexton's depression.
The video was a subdued black and white piece. It was quite different from his extravagant "Sledgehammer" video.
Comments:
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There is a poem she wrote called "Rowing" which seemed to explain the lines at the end where Gabriel talks about "Ann in her little boat".
"I am rowing,
though the wind pushes me back
and I know that that island will not be perfect,
it will have the flaws of life,
the absurdities of the dinner table,
but there will be a door
and I will open it
and I will get rid of the rat inside me,
the gnawing pestilential rat.
God will take it with his two hands
and embrace it."
Wonderful
- Steve, Chicago, IL
Peter did a great job with this song as far as a tribute to a tormented poet. It has obviously caused people to truly ponder the lyrics and search out more information. I have looked up Anne Sexton and read 45 mercy street. Personally I find the song more powerful now after knowing it's inspiration. After listening I feel sad for Anne and Peter for the sadness they must have felt to write something so powerful - I then feel very blessed to be living a happy life. Simply the most powerful song I've heard.
- Glenn, NA, ON
Mercy Street is one the most moving songs I have ever heard; I listen to it frequently. Sometimes, I play it over and over again cause I just can't get enough of it. I never get tired of hearing it. I am surprised to learn what it's about, but then again, that just makes the song even better. Wow.
- Ira, Denver, CO
LOVE this song. Gives me chills each time I listen to it. Great album, I think I've bought 'So' three times in the past 15 years.
- Mel, Riverbank, CA
incredible. I would've never guessed it was about a troubled lady and suicide. still, its moving, i listen to this song when i go to sleep.
- Hunta, St. Louis, MO
Far and away my favorite PG song. I have to listen to it alone as it most time brings me to tears.
- Tim, Cockeysville, MD
Unbelievable emotions for a simle classic record.
- Tony, Crewe, England
Oh Jenny, that's exactly it. It brings tears to my eyes each and every time, I don't know why.
- Nicola, Rome, Italy
Wow. I had no idea. Chilling.
- James, Westchester, England
this song cuts me to the bone. i can relate to it so very well.
- Jenny, Chicago, IL
I've never understood what this song was about, but the simple, crisp musicality of it has always riveted me whenever I hear it. I can't just let it go in the background; when it comes on, I stop what I'm doing and focus.
After reading that this is inspired by the poetry of a mental patient, I don't feel bad for not understanding the lyrics!
- Mike, Houston, TX