Sweet-Mary (The Water-Melon Song)
Udo Jürgens
Longing for Sweet Mary: A Cowboy's Dream
Udo Jürgens' song "Sweet-Mary (The Water-Melon Song)" is a heartfelt ode to longing and love, set against the backdrop of the vast cotton fields and prairies. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a cowboy who finds solace in the open fields after a hard day's work, dreaming of his beloved Sweet Mary. The imagery of the blue sky and the cowboy's yearning heart creates a sense of freedom and deep emotional connection, highlighting the universal theme of longing for a loved one.
The song uses colorful metaphors to describe Sweet Mary's beauty, comparing her to the vibrant hues of nature. The green melon, red wine, yellow banana, and brown hazelnut serve as symbols of the natural world, yet none can compare to the sweetness of Mary's lips or the captivating blue of her eyes. This use of color not only emphasizes her unique beauty but also reflects the cowboy's deep admiration and affection for her.
Throughout the song, the cowboy's dreams are accompanied by the sound of a cowboy song echoing through the prairie, symbolizing his desire to be reunited with Sweet Mary. The mention of needing a horse faster than the wind to reach her underscores his determination and urgency. The song concludes with a promise of love and fidelity, as the cowboy vows to return to Mary as soon as possible, capturing the timeless theme of love's enduring power and the hope of a future together.