Mother Mary
by UFO

Album: Force It (1975)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Rock musicians aren't generally regular church goers but a surprising number of heavy metal songs have religious themes. "Mother Mary" is probably as near as UFO will ever get to recording a hymn. Co-written by vocalist Phil Mogg, lead guitarist Michael Schenker and drummer Andrew Maynard Parker, the Mary in question is that Mary.
  • In 1979, a live version was released on a three track single with "Doctor Doctor" and "Try Me". The studio version, from the 1975 Force It album, runs to 3 minutes 49 seconds. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 4

  • Bleepyf from ScotlandMaybe figuratively, but a closer focus on the lyrics might reveal that it's drawing a parallel between the wild out of control life on tour with another type of 'gang' - unless you think the 'wild colonial boy' reference is just a throw away? Mogg has written a fair number of songs with a social or literary reference, and this is another example. The Wild Colonial Boys were real, and sung about (although moving from Catholic Irish to Aussie Bush Ranger)..
    Read Pete Way's book for details of the on-tour debauchery!
  • Gabriel Sica from Saint Louis, MoMichael Schenker was 22 when 'Lights Out' was released
  • Matthew from Roseville, CaThis music is always on my most played list...M shenker was 17 when he did lights out live... his best in one song
  • Jim from Long Beach, CaI think this song was written lyrics by singer Phil Mogg regarding their first trip in America and there expierience and culture shock and they need Mother Mary for guidence..Great song...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.