What "The Wind Cries Mary" by Jimi Hendrix is Really About

[@Lyristoric]

Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoyed yourself. Dont forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe. Please note that this is one person’s interpretation (mine) and in no way is any more right or wrong than anyone else's, as lyrics are subjective to the listener. However, as discrepancies and contentions arise, the main sources of interpretations for this track are from Kathy Etchingham herself from the following sources: "Kathy Etchingham: BBC Sounds" and "Kathy Etchingham: Life as Jimi Hendrix's 'Foxy Lady'". LINKS IN DESCRIPTION.

[@68cutty]

[@ameruschi]

Would love to know what is the interpretation/meaning to the song Killing Moon by Echo and the Bunnymen

[@jonvecchione5879]

When questioning , the Island that sags down stream. It seems to me that he is referring to himself. A metaphor for now alone, and going down 😢

[@willerbilliemusic]

Love videos like this, it's the insider look at the creative process.

[@nickykarlen7721]

“Somewhere, a queen is weeping. Somewhere a king has no wife.” This always reminds me of Mary, Queen of Scots, who had to abdicate the throne to her one-year old son, James (who of course had no wife at the time). It’s an unlikely reference but it speaks to me.

[@TomiLoveless]

Jimi and I are cousins, as I'm half Cherokee. Jimi and I met four times. Once when we were kids, then at two of his concerts, then finally after the Monterey Jazz in '69. It is my intense Honor and Pleasure to perform The Wind Cries Mary" Magic unbound! There is more, but not for this life! Catch me in the next life. I'm from Monterey.

[@chrisretired5379]

Rock On, thank you for your story here 👍

[@BEVERLY-e4s]

A very personal story: In1994 my brother was in a hospital dying from being in a car accident. Our mother kept telling him he had to get better so she would feel better, and he would frown when he heard that, he couldn't speak), Later I told him it was OK if he needed to go, and" if I don't see you no more in this world I'll see you in the next one." He smiled and looked relieved. The next morning he passed away.

[@chrisretired5379]

@@BEVERLY-e4s Thanks for sharing this ! 💝 Rock On ! 👍👍👍

[@TomiLoveless]

@@Ian-vf2lt he didn't play at the Jazz fest he was just attending.

[@Brother_Dre1900]

What's the other half of Cherokee?

[@edwinwise6751]

Saw him twice as a teen and have never stopped marveling at his genius . What a loss

[@davidweaver2156]

Jimi always gets well deserved props for his guitar playing but many overlook his wonderful lyrics. Always poetic with story lines that will leave the listener the ability to see the song come to life within their minds

[@richardbelttan]

His Song writing was so Magical as he was RIP Jimi Hendrix

[@billrobbins5874]

Would have been nice to hear Jimi himself tell of his songs. ♥️ Much appreciated though. Gone to soon. RIP

[@sagivaitzman8316]

This song has a special place in my heart forever.

[@taze317]

I have a t-shirt with Jimi's face on it. I have received countless compliments from all types of people. We all love Jimi.

[@charlesrforman664]

Jimi was one of the greatest musicians to ever play guitar. Most people see only that, Hendrix & Bob Dylan are w/out a doubt the deepest soulful poets we were blessed to have witnessed in this life time 🎶☮️🎵

[@RobHollanderMusic]

Leonard Cohen and Paul Simon deserve mention.

[@johnj3281]

Jim Morrison?

[@renstimpithon1621]

This and Angel are 2 songs of Hendrix I can't get enough of.

[@AndresMagnone]

Hendrox lol

[@renstimpithon1621]

My bad. Corrected.

[@renstimpithon1621]

​@AndresMagnone what, you ain't never heard of Jomo Hendrox?

[@AndresMagnone]

@@renstimpithon1621 Of course, his evil twin brother who has been ripping off his music ever since he died, with releases like Woodoo Child, Watch Tower, Purple Flame... Oh wait, that was Leon, nevermind.

[@killawhatt8620]

Yes, Angel.

[@dixirose111]

Evocative poetry.

[@jeffbrinkerhoff5121]

Many rock lyrics are lousy poetry.. the good stuff leaves a mark..

[@SpecialAgent666]

Jimi is another one of my favorites. I use to play this song too in one of my sets jamming in Clubs, as well as sing it too without playing guitar 🎸 in certain venues when just the track was available. The song could mean anything depending on your imagination. I'm just reminiscing and absorbing old school nostalgia these days.

[@user-in9vm6up4c]

As in most if not all Jimi’s lyrics, there’s more esotericism and transcendence in it than ordinary. The bloke was an astral traveler in his vision and music. Rest in peace Voodoo Chile, many still miss you 🌹

[@fourthofseven]

One of Jimi’s finest mellow songs! So melodic with poignant lyrics & a beautiful solo! After all these years Jimi remains my all time favorite artist!

[@DaleBrotherton]

The passion of love brings the best in life. What a beautiful song.

[@marcelob4132]

Nice breakdown!. I've always loved Jimi's lyrics

[@kevinsysyn4487]

My favorite song of his. Little Wing and Angel are awesome too ,but this is his most beautifully haunting song. Of all the great guitarists named as GOAT none compares as a songwriter to Hendrix, his short career and small output being the only case otherwise.

[@kevinmcconnell3641]

Jimi is my GOAT! Not because of what music Jimi gave us, but because of what we weren’t blessed with because of his early demise;(

[@CHRISSLATTERY-i4r]

One of my favorite Jimi songs.

[@davidmichel1815]

WoW! lumpy potatoes was the spark that inspired for one of my favorite song.

[@kevinmcconnell3641]

I prefer my mashed potatoes on the lumpier side. The creamier they are, the pastier they are!!

[@Lengsel7]

It sounds like a Spinal Tap bit.

[@timczifrik]

LMAO 😂

[@RDnAC]

Hendrix was an old soul so when he spoke it came from glimpses of intuitive memories beyond the limits of his present situation. How many times does one become fooled by the fleeting pleasures of the moment or year or decade only to be slapped with the reality that we must loose it all ultimately and die alone turning into ashes blowing in the wind. How many of us then turn to Mother Mary and cry to anyone who can save us from our emptiness and pain…This is another layer woven into this genius song.

[@MB-mh6xv]

One of my all time favorites. It's a beautiful song. "Happiness staggering on down the street"... Amazing.

[@maxenielsen]

One of the most beautiful, thoughtful, emotional, songs ever - both in its lyrics and in the music that perfectly complement each other. The songs touches my mind and heart every time I hear it. Oh, Jimi, I wish you were still with us in this life. And I hope I can embrace you when I surely meet you in the next. You are one of this world’s sweetest and best.

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

GREAT SONG AND LYRICS...and it '''means'' whatever YOU get from it.!

[@beanotraffini681]

This is what true inspirational genius looks (and sounds) like: play on, brother...

[@johnj3281]

. .play on drummer..."If 6 was 9"

[@billymarques8168]

Since i was 8 or 9 years old "i'm 63 now "i was always facinated by the man Jimmy,from the scarf around his neck to getting fired from my job from listening to his guitar wail while i was at the job to the fashion statement of the times

[@strtserctlmserc4484]

Thank you for your excellent research ❤❤

[@troygaspard6732]

Such poetic lyrics. The song all ways effects me.

[@jameslanclos568]

It makes me wonder if Hendrix gave up on life after Kathy broke up with him. It's not uncommon that this happens. If so, "Way to go...Kathy". A beautiful man, his art, his poetry, his music; broken by the love of a woman. If not; "Carry on.". Thanks for this video. I've been an avid fan of Hendrix since I saw the Monterrey Pop Festival movie upon it's initial release. After all these decades, finally, I have a better understanding of what this song is about.

[@hesch-tag]

"Way to go Kathy?" Jimi was a free spirit, didn't want to be tied down and wanted to be free. Even during the time he was with Kathy, he slept with lots of other girls. Jimi didn't give up after they had broken up. Jimi lived for his music and music alone.

[@jameslanclos568]

@@hesch-tag "Who Knows" Band of Gypsys"

[@dchiffy]

This is one of my favorite JH songs Now i know why. Thanks

[@elmolewis9123]

Nice work on this video.

[@bartonone2005]

This song, the words, his short life, has haunted me for years... Thanks for the explanation, it has only deepened my love for it.

[@jimtripman9002]

This is a brilliant videos of this majestic song.

[@jimtripman9002]

The thinking behind the Island is logical and something I'v always been struggling about.

[@ryersondodge1998]

Ironically enough an amazing song one of my favorite from Jimi, first one i learned to play, i love playing it for my wife, Mary 😊❤

[@yancyjenkinssr1824]

Thanx for the breakdown

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

That window pane really expands the mind. Jimi was the best, too bad he passed so young.

[@sabrinanascimento5248]

This is a great song 🎵.

[@julianterris]

"The Wind Cries Mary" is a brilliant poem, and then there's the *music* Thank you for shedding some light on its origins. It is truly a #TimelessClassic. "Tiny Island" = Flat? 💜

[@Lyristoric]

Thanks! And yes, good thinking. The flat did cross my mind as the group The Lonely Island is named after the apartment the three members lived in. Someone else suggested Jimi's bed as the island. Both great ideas.

[@alainvosselman9960]

I had the tabs and sheet so i could learn it as played by him. That was back in '89. Jimi Hendrix really started my life long passion for playing music. He passed away much too soon, he would've kept growing i'm sure.

[@kokomokid4006]

We all had back stories...GREAT SONG...class of 1970

[@gonindunit]

If you get a chance, watch the movie, "MY DINNER WITH JIMI" written by the lead singer of the Turtles regarding his meeting Jimi Hendrix in London. If you loved the 60s, you'll love this movie. I was a flower child in that time, and this film captures that time perfectly.

[@charlesdrake3125]

Lovely poetry and you can hear Curtis' musical influence on this one too.

[@phillipgoodyear4196]

My favorite piece by Jimi.

[@willie9537]

Nice, very well done.

[@jimwoods3742]

He was so creative I think every one of his songs had a story behind it

[@richardsoult5678]

Awesome video friend and i know this sounds so stupid but those tiny islands are the lumps in the mash potatoes or tiny lumps.What do you think am i lost here but it would make sense.

[@colindeer4908]

I think it's Jimmy at his best actually. A great song written from the soul. Flows really well. Just love the feel of the song. Nice to get some back story. Many thanks. That's a musician gone way too soon. Would have been really enjoyable listening to him over the decades.

[@dreamscuba]

Thanks for this. I didn’t know the back story. Wow, what a great lyricist with such deep and poetic words about an argument between two lovers. He is my favourite guitarist and I love his vocals … this is one of my favourite Hendrix songs.

[@elmorevandodewaard544]

Beautiful and words of truth.❤

[@Joseph-ax999]

I always liked his quieter songs best. And this is a perfect example. Even without knowing what it was about you can't help being affected by those lyrics.

[@kevinmcconnell3641]

Castles made of sand!! And of course Red House!!

[@kevinbarry3548]

What a great site and worthy subjects to explore.

[@bebipin1957]

It all boils down to some common every-day star on the planet. His expression was simply inviting. A beautiful soul who made mistakes and knew how not to forget forging a message and a lesson in this world.

[@macedon4049]

My favorite Hendrix song.

[@colinguthrie5885]

Thanks for this great video….. I am an aged relatively newbee guitarist… am trying to play a very simplified guitar version but with all my songs… and I love totally immersing myself I’m the words and have learnt hundreds ( but tbh you wouldn’t want to hear me play) ….I love the poetry of this song….I can only learn a song and attempt to convey the emotion of a song if I know what it’s really all about…. So thanks again , this has really helped

[@hammurhead1]

For Real As Wow

[@gimmeagig]

I'm glad I found this channel

[@ix-Xafra]

According to Chas Chandler, Jimi's manager, he had been working on this tune prior to that night of the fight with Kathy...

[@Lyristoric]

That's a fact, my friend, and it's pointed out at the 10:00 mark.

[@ix-Xafra]

@@Lyristoric that must be when I was writing and not listening - lol. It was the first Hendrix song I heard on an old valve radio the day he died and I marvelled at his soulful guitar !

[@ronblack2700]

I first saw Jimi on Sesame Street in his video Cross town traffic. I was about 4-5 years old then? Loved Jimi then as today.

[@d.c.127]

Great content and images. Very thoughtful and you did your research obviously. Subscribed. 👍🏻

[@tammyhaney3661]

Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@chrisretired5379]

Thanks for a great video ! As a 60s kid, I still have my approx. 3 ft. by 2 ft. Color picture of Jimi, playing guitar, embedded in 3/4 plywood with a staggered border, like flames, then burned via torch I guess, all covered with a clear resin. The former sticker on the back said ‘Obra D Art’. I purchased at a incense type hippie shop in the late 60s !

[@Lyristoric]

Love this! That is awesome!

[@TheFlameTop]

It reflects the artistical depth to the song writing skills of the Author. It also reflects the depth in diversity as one of the greatest poetically assembled lyrical metaphors to ever exist. It invites the listener to draw ones own conclusion , yet setting the parameters that the description of `MARY' signifies the colossal `END' .

[@TheFlameTop]

Thank You !

[@tonyswatchchannel755]

This is fantastic!

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

DAM Good SONG WRITING,, Anyone would have to admit. 🤠

[@woodenfly4quids168]

The traffic lights, they turn blue tomorrow And shine their emptiness down on my bed The tiny island sags downstream 'Cause the life that lived is dead And the wind screams "Mary" In verse 3, you offer a couple of interpretations for Line 3. I think the ⫷Island⫸ is the raised section in the centre of the roadway where the traffic signals sit. If ⫷Mary⫸ comes back and tosses him out, he’ll be on the street and the traffic lights will shine their emptiness down on his head.

[@karinwolf3645]

I thought the song was just as you said, even though I didn't know the particulars. I was 15 when he wrote this. I liked the song more than many of his other songs and was disappointed that it didn't get more airplay. 💋💖💋💖😓🕊🌵👵🐺🖖🌵

[@Thula-o1k]

Thanx! Great research!

[@MusicalAddictionOnlineLessons]

Great work 👏 ❤

[@siriusra2692]

................,it was his goodbye letter to Kathy.........Kathy was deeply in love with Jimi......she was so passionate....Jimi knew if he died for some reason .....it would crush her heart.....he used the mash potatoes to break their relationship off.........he loved her enough to walk away.......he didn't want her to mourn his death.......he knew he was going to sing protest songs that could put his life in jeopardy ......

[@livelikedragons]

Got a little teary eyed.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Could you do a study on Robin Trower's Day Of The Eagle . I Can't Live Without You . Lady Love . Take Care . ✨🎸✨🇺🇸

[@Lyristoric]

I have a looooong list of songs to cover, but I'll definitely add Trower to it. I love that halftime breakdown near the end of Day of the Eagle. So heavy!

[@trevorgwelch7412]

@@Lyristoric ✨🎸✨Great

[@Tully241]

It's about the wind crying Mary.

[@marcofacen9564]

it seems incredible that, during the same era, Jim Morrison walked this earth, advertising himself as the singing poet. I've always liked Jimis Lyrics much better. They just go deep, without pretending to be something. All of his music reflects the fact that he was simply to humble to even understand how unique he was.

[@piotr.leniec-lincow5209]

Its about how hard it is to find it.

[@matthewblanchard9301]

John Mayer does a great cover, as does Sting & John McLaughlin on another. 🎸

[@charlesdrake3125]

I love that Sting and McLaughlin cover. Vinnie Calouata kills it on the drums too.

[@robertwayne1884]

I saw the "Experience" a hundred years ago in Chicago, never heard surf music again.

[@Lyristoric]

Very, VERY cool!!

[@DRUMJOCK]

An island can also represent standing out because he's all alone rising out of the water while floating down steam lifeless stillness empty by himself yet still alive to reflect

[@newname363]

"after all the jacks are in their boxes".. I always pictured a jack in the box

[@Lyristoric]

I put three meanings to the Jacks mentioned. Jack in the Box is mentioned at the 5:00 mark.

[@newname363]

@@Lyristoric I responded with that right after seeing the pic of jacks... well done

[@Peter-sk5vg]

My old Irish mammy was, unsurprisingly, called Mary. She really loved this song. The island could easily refer to the bed...easy to deduce this since it follows in the next line immediately. Interesting analysis tho

[@Lyristoric]

Yea, great point!

[@jimparker7778]

It is said that Jimi wrote the Wind Cries Mary because he wanted to write a Bob Dylan song.

[@standardofexcellence]

I love what you do man, and you've got a voice and thankfully a mind for this and it's a lost art that should've never left music by way of humanity. I have plenty of ideas/songs you may or may not heard of that you could possibly add to the future if you're interested, i'd love to help.

[@Lyristoric]

Thanks! Much appreciated!

[@zummo61]

There were many many verses to this.

[@creid7537]

The reference to jacks is about 'jack-in-the-boxes'.

[@DCfromBC]

It's mentioned. First its the game of Jacks at 2:19. Then the playing card Jack at 4:17. Then the Jack in the Box 5:04. It has a triple meaning.

[@wallacebates6454]

Interesting. Never knew that. Often wonder what the song means. Learn something new everyday

[@dannylesbile8592]

Me and my friends used to parodize the song The Wind Crys Larry

[@mr.howard1]

The opening line refers to a jack in the box toy, not the game jacks.

[@Lyristoric]

5:00

[@mr.howard1]

​@Lyristoric Yes... I know you mentioned it, but the fact that Hendrix references the boxes makes it pretty clear he wasn't talking about the knuckle jacks game which has no need for a box. Hendrix referenced circus themes several times in his lyrics... I think it must have had something to do with with his childhood being less than stable.

[@grantkruse1812]

@@mr.howard1 Or the world around him being less than stable as well. The angst of Viet Nam War and threat of Nukes was everywhere in the public psyche.

[@vladtheimpala5532]

I figured the island was Jimi Hendrix himself and I also thought of that Simon and Garfunkel song. He was a great guitarist but he was a great lyricist as well.

[@matthewblanchard9301]

Great video on the song and the man 🎸....But why didn't you use the actual song as back ground music? If you couldn't use it do to licensing, you could get a cover, there are some great covers of 'The Wind Cries Mary', Just food for thought...🎭

[@Lyristoric]

Thanks, Matthew! Yes, licensing issues. I actually began these videos with background music - me covering each song on guitar. But unfortunately even those run into copyright flags.

[@matthewblanchard9301]

@@Lyristoric Yes Licensing. I understand the artist view, but when you do a piece on a certain subject and that said subject needs background music, original music and only original music will enhance the subject matter. One would think this would benefit the 'artist' as a free PR, but some artist block this as you well known. I met Jimmy Page back in January 1994 in Key West and we talked about many things. So this was 30yrs. ago and this wasn't the first time I met Page(October '67 Yardbirds concert at an Amusement Park, few hundred fans) Back to Key West I was lucky to talk to him more because nobody really were noticing us, and he did remember that young teenage from '67. We talked everything including musical business like copyright. Anyway long story short he said it's all about the music and the fans and that he wanted free access to fans with the music barring album sales to that point in time. But flash forward to today and with the Internet and all, Led Zeppelin's music is a hard one to get a hold of, just ask Rick Beato. Anyway it is what it is, good luck with future ventures. 🎸👍

[@Lyristoric]

Wow, Page in person! That's awesome! Very, very cool! And thanks so much for the encouragement!

[@karlfonner7589]

In European heaven, the Germans are the mechanics, the French are the cooks, and the English are the police. In European hell, the French are the mechanics, the Germans are the police, and the English are the cooks

[@stephenpemberton85]

Song's also about his Mother he lost at an early age .

[@ACDZ123]

Im curious about all the names it has "blown" in the past ?? 😆 what you talking about Jimmy

[@Lyristoric]

😄 🤣 😂

[@islanderbyrd1881]

Hendrix refers to death in his songs. He knew he didn't want to stay here long, there were other trails to blaze.

[@satyadasgumbyji8956]

They kept Hendrix's Nashville years, where he trained for 5 leading up to his discovery in NY, secret. Especially in Nashville. Nobody i knew growing up knew & i just happened to read a single paragraph in a bio that briefly mentioned when i was a teen in the '80's. Well, if you're from Nashville & hear the name Jefferson St where he & best friend (bassist for Gypsys & new Experience) Billy Cox lived you automatically think of MARY'S BARBECUE!!!😅 Was only place I knew in Old Nashville that was open all night. Was one-stop-shop for night crawlers: prostitutes, nickel bags, & after hours bootleg liquor & just a couple blocks from where Hendrix & Cox lived. Can smell it in the air day & night! So ever since my mind was blown, that was the very first thing that popped into my mind: 🎶 "And the wind whispers, Mary('S BARBECUE!!!"🎶 🤣🤣🤣!!! Ironically I wound up becoming friends & working a bit with Cox on a public tv music & travel channel in early 2000's. An old hippie friend said you have to meet Billy. I just thought old cool black musician, a dime a dozen round here, had a few brews & shot the shit. Wasn't till weeks later I heard my name at grocery store & knew who tf was calling me! My new friend Billy Fukn Cox!!!😅 Used to still see him at the free blues shows he'd throw at the park before lockdowns. But we hit it off because I was probably the only person he'd met in last 30 yrs that didn't talk Hendrix, so I left it that way. I actually stole one of my last girlfriends away from Billy! Don't think he ever knew she'd leave his house to come to mine.😅 Theres an excellent Cox interview about the Nashville yrs-Musician's Hall Of Fame, "Little Know Facts About Hendrix" on here that tells all about it. Also "1965bHendrix Night Train" (Nashville black tv show, inspiration for legendary "Soul Train") performance is on here, his tv debut. Life's a trip, mofos!!! Never forget, as fukd as things may seem or be, THESE ARE STILL "The Days"!!! Love & Party accordingly! ✌️🌎❤️

[@nancaraway8413]

I have never heard this before. I do know that the woman that he lived with their relationship was on the rocks for quite some time she was trying to hang on as he was trying to let her go, because he did care for her at one time. Because she writes a book and states, all of this doesn’t mean that it’s true there is a lot of questioning behind this woman, as well as another well-known English artist after his death

[@BobK5]

‘Jack’s’ are Jack in the box toys. He’s saying that after all the circus antics of the day when the Jack in the boxes are in their boxes and the clowns have all gone to bed you can hear happiness staggering……….

[@Lyristoric]

Correct! And this is included in the video at around the 5:00 mark.

[@GSJoey]

I always thought it was about a contract murderer haunted by his last victim, Mary. Something about Mary was different, maybe her beaut, and it caused him to reflect on his life and occupation like never before. That interpretation grows out of the line " footprints dress in red". Bloody footpints are left from a quick exit, a la OJ. The rest seemed to fall around that idea without too much trouble. Being about killing a relationship is close to killing a person? Both have pain and senseless waist forgotten in time.

[@raychapa4257]

The tiny island is the small apartment . Sags down stream “ he’s miserable. No longer wanting to be there. He is letting her go , and living in the apartment is over.

[@nylesfrench3568]

Jimi Wrote Foxey Lady about Fayne Pridgeon. He met and lived with her in Harlem before his worldwide fame. Their relationship continued until his death. Carmen Barrera was a Puerto Rican Beauty from America. Jimi was A Ladies Man to say the least 😊. He loved the Ladies and they loved him.

[@huldahsroots]

Fayne was the only one he asked to marry him. He had a life long love for her.

[@donfisher8035]

Celebrate lumpy potatoes at next dinner party while the waiter cries Mary.

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

Not those sort of jacks with the ball at 2:22 i could never get into catching all that. Yes that kind jack in a box at 5:11 Loss and breakups and sadness of passed love are themes in quite a few of his songs.

[@Lyristoric]

5:11 - it's in there.