Mary Ann, I really want to tell you …

It is with great sadness that I need to report about the passing this week of American actress Dawn Wells. Ms. Wells is most famous for playing “Mary Ann Summers” on the legendary 1960s TV comedy program Gilligan’s Island.

Boxers or Briefs? Football or Baseball? Mary Ann or Ginger? These were questions posed to men in my generation used to gage what kind of a guy you are. I am definitely in the “Mary Ann” choice (that is, if I can’t have both). The late Ms. Wells played the pretty “girl-next-door” persona perfectly. A generation of adolescent boys grew up in love with the Mary Ann from Kansas. Millions of us were in love with her. Her “short shorts” were a good point of discussion for teenage boys. Sure, we teenage wannabes wanted to have our fun with the Gingers, but we wanted to marry a Mary Ann. 

Years later, while listening to Marshall Crenshaw’s Mary Ann song, I was reminded of the youthful beauty of Ms. Wells, and I would always slip into a reverie … 

I know the song lyrics do not describe the Gilligan’s situation, but I could stretch my fantasy a little.  What if Mary Ann(e) was my girlfriend? I know that there is the extra “e”, in Crenshaw’s fantasy-girl, but I think what the song captures the impossible, unrequited longing of a young boy in love with this everyday-encountered-but-impossible-to-reach girl next door. Also, thinkin’ about those “short shorts” is part of the nostalgic mood of the song. 

Here are the guitar chords if you want to learn the song.

https://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.azchords.com/m/marshallcrenshaw-tabs-25569/maryanne-tabs-661866.html

More importantly — Please enjoy this gallery of Mary Ann moments:

She was a great comedian and a great, life affirming woman. I drink a toast to you dear lady …

Starlight: 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-dawn-wells/actress-dawn-wells-castaway-mary-ann-on-tvs-gilligans-island-dies-from-covid-19-idUSKBN294289

“Someday, Someway — Maybe I’ll Understand You …”

“Someday Someway” — music and lyrics by Marshall Crenshaw

click to view larger

Verse:     A  E  (repeats many times)

I can’t stand to see you sad

I can’t bear to hear you cry

If you can’t tell me what you need

All I can do is wonder why

 

Chorus:

D   E    C#m       F#m

Someday, Someway

D   E    C#m       F#m

Someday, Someway

D   E    F#m       E

Someday, Someway

D          E          A    E  (into verse)

Maybe I’ll understand you

 

A-A-A-E

After all you’ve done for me

All I really want to do

Is take the love you brought my way

And give it all right back to you

 

D   E    C#m       F#m

Someday, Someway

D   E    C#m       F#m

Someday, Someway

D   E    F#m       E

Someday, Someway

D            E          A

Maybe you’ll understand me

 

 

D      Bm          G         A

You’ve taken everything from me

D    Bm         G          A

I’ve taken everything from you

D    Bm              G          E

I’ll love you for my whole life through…

 

A-A-A-E

Now after all you’ve done for me

All I really want to do

Is take the love you brought my way

And give it all right back to you

 

D-E-C#m-F#m

Someday, someway aww

D-E-C#m-F#m

Someday, someway, yeah now

D-E-F#m, E

Someday, someway

D-E-A

Maybe you’ll understand me

 

D-Bm-G-A

You’ve taken everything from me

D-Bm-G-A

I’ve taken everything from you

D-Bm-G-E

I’ll love you for my whole life through

 

A-A-A-E

I can’t stand to see you sad

I can’t bear to hear you cry

If you can’t tell me what you need

All I can do is wonder why

 

D-E-C#m-F#m

Someday, someway aww

D-E-C#m-F#m

Someday, someway, yeah now

D-E-F#m, E

Someday, someway

D-E-A

Maybe I’ll understand you

 

Remember the Crench:  http://marshallcrenshaw.com/

Starlight: I was there when the proto-star was formed.