By Saige Hoying
21 years ago this month, Mary Gauthier released her 4th studio album, Mercy Now. The ten song album is a beautiful piece of work that overflows with raw emotion and overwhelming honesty. Since its release in 2005, the album has earned critical acclaim and become one of Mary’s most well-known and enduring contributions to Americana and folk music.
The title track, “Mercy Now,” has grown to be a signature of Mary’s — and for good reason. The genuine, raw storytelling approach she brings to the writing makes it a piece of art that people from all walks of life resonate with. The lyrics move from the personal struggles faced by her father and brother to broader topics, touching on pain within the church, the country, and humanity altogether. As reflected in the title, Mary uses this song to remind listeners that everyone is carrying their own struggles, and everyone could use a little mercy.
“Yea, we all could use a little mercy now
I know we don’t deserve it
But we need it anyhow
We hang in the balance
Dangle ‘tween hell and hallowed ground
Every single one of us could use some mercy now”
Mary describes the writing process for “Mercy Now”:
“[It] came to me as a prayer and as an act of desperation. I wrote it in a time when the world around me was collapsing into darkness. The song brought me catharsis, and then, unexpectedly, it brought something else. I found peace in my heart where there was once anger and fear.”
"Mercy Now," was named "One Of the Saddest 40 Country Songs of All Time" by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2014, and it continues to be her most-streamed and requested song. Mary herself has argued that it is not a sad song, but rather a real song ending in hope. As a whole, the track speaks to the human condition in a way that is both unflinchingly honest and quietly elegant.
In honor of the 21st anniversary of “Mercy Now”, enjoy this throwback video of Mary performing at the 2010 Americana Music festival in Nashville, TN
