"Mary Jane" is not about marijuana, as is commonly thought; it is actually about a girl who takes up witchcraft, and seeks forgiveness from her father only to be buried alive as punishment.
Most of the lyrics refer to a man being haunted by the girl. Ironically, or perhaps intentionally, the song's last beat is on 4:20, a reference to marijuana.
Album Description:
The MEGADETH - "Mary Jane" 12" Vinyl MAXI-SINGLE - USA Release is an iconic musical piece that showcases the talent and creativity of the American thrash metal band, Megadeth. Released in 1988, this maxi-single offers a unique perspective on the concept of "Mary Jane", which is often associated with marijuana. Contrary to popular belief, the song delves into the dark tale of a girl who embraces witchcraft and ultimately faces a tragic fate. Megadeth, formed in 1983 by guitarist and vocalist Dave Mustaine, quickly rose to prominence within the thrash metal scene. Known for their aggressive sound, intricate guitar work, and thought-provoking lyrics, the band's discography has left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. "Mary Jane" stands as a prime example of Megadeth's ability to explore unconventional themes while maintaining their signature style. Although the title "Mary Jane" might initially evoke thoughts of marijuana, the song takes a different path. It tells the story of a girl who becomes entangled in the world of witchcraft, seeking solace and forgiveness from her father. However, her pursuit of dark magic ultimately leads to dire consequences. As a form of punishment, she is buried alive, trapped in a coffin with no escape. This narrative is a departure from the usual lyrical themes associated with Megadeth's music. Instead of focusing on political or social issues, the band delves into the realm of the occult, exploring the consequences of dabbling in forbidden practices. The song showcases Megadeth's versatility as songwriters, proving their ability to tackle a wide range of topics while maintaining their distinct musical identity. The maxi-single format of the release offers fans a comprehensive package, featuring not only the original studio version of "Mary Jane", but also additional tracks that complement the main song. These extra tracks can provide further insight into the band's musical evolution and creative experimentation during that period. In addition, the 12" vinyl format enhances the listening experience, allowing for a more immersive and dynamic sound. The USA release of the "Mary Jane" maxi-single is a testament to Megadeth's popularity and impact within the American music scene during the late 1980s. Thrash metal was reaching its peak, and Megadeth stood at the forefront of the movement, pushing boundaries and defying expectations. The release of this maxi-single demonstrates the band's commitment to delivering quality music and engaging their audience in a thought-provoking manner. |
Music Genre: Heavy / Thrash Metal |
Album Production information: The album: "Mary Jane" was produced by: Dave Mustaine and Randy Burns Dave Mustaine is the scarred saint of thrash, a man forged in the fire he lit himself. From being ousted by Metallica to leading Megadeth into metal's iron throne room, he snarls, shreds, and spits truth. Read his full bio.
Michael Wagener - Producer, Mix Engineer Michael Wagener is a legendary music producer and sound engineer, known for crafting the signature sounds of hard rock and heavy metal. He co-founded Accept before shifting to production, working with top bands like Metallica, Skid Row, and Dokken. His powerful, polished mixes defined an era of rock. Learn more
Paul Lani - Producer, Sound Engineer Randy Burns - Producer, Sound Engineer, Musician Randy Burns is a renowned record producer and sound engineer who played a pivotal role in shaping heavy metal’s evolution. His work with bands like Megadeth, Death, and Kreator helped define the raw, aggressive sound of thrash and death metal. With a legacy spanning decades, his productions remain legendary. Learn more about his career here.
Tim Carr - Executive Producer Mark Wilkinson - Cover Art Pete Cronin - Photography Pete Cronin has been a photographer for over 30 years and has photographed rock bands like: Demon Pact, Avenger, Metallica, Exciter, English Dogs, Plasmatics, Briar, Bow Wow, Thin Lizzy, Alice in Chains, Megadeth and others. |
Record Label: Capitol Records 12CL 489 |
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Maxi-Single Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year and Country 1988 Made in USA |
Complete Track Listing of: "Mary Jane" |
The Songs/tracks on "Mary Jane" are
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Megadeth Mary Jane 12" Maxi-Single |
Front Cover Photo of "Mary Jane" Album |
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Back Cover Photo of "Mary Jane" Album |
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Close-up Photo of "Mary Jane" Record Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
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Killing is my Business and Business is Good 12" Vinyl Picture Disc"Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!" is the debut album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records. Mustaine wanted a picture of Megadeth mascot Vic Rattlehead
- Killing is my Business and Business is Good (1985, Canada) - Killing is my Business and Business is Good (1985, Holland)
"Mary Jane" USA Release is an iconic musical piece that showcases the talent and creativity of the American thrash metal band, Megadeth. Released in 1988, this maxi-single offers a unique perspective on the concept of "Mary Jane"
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- No More Mr Nice Guy (1989, EEC Europe) - No More Mr Nice Guy (1989, USA)Formed in 1983 by former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine, Megadeth quickly gained recognition for aggressive sound, complex guitar work, and conscious lyrics. "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" became their second studio album
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- So Far So Good So What (1988, Canada) - So Far So Good So What (1988, Germany) - So Far So Good So What (1988, USA)