Lady Gaga is one of the most influential and innovative pop stars of the 21st century. Her music, style, and persona have challenged the norms and expectations of the industry and society. She has also explored various themes and topics in her songs, ranging from love and sexuality to fame and identity. One of her most intriguing and complex songs is Bloody Mary, a track from her second studio album, Born This Way (2011).
In this article, we will examine the Lady Gaga Bloody Mary lyrics, meaning, and cultural impact and try to understand what makes it so captivating and controversial.
What is the song Bloody Mary about?
Bloody Mary is a song that blends elements of industrial rock, gothic rock, and electro-pop. It has a dark and haunting atmosphere with distorted vocals, heavy drums, and synth sounds. The lyrics are cryptic and ambiguous, but they seem to revolve around the themes of religion, death, and love.
The song is inspired by Lady Gaga’s fascination with Mary Magdalene, the biblical figure who was a follower of Jesus Christ and witnessed his crucifixion and resurrection.
The song also references other historical and cultural figures and symbols, such as Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who ordered Jesus’ execution; Michelangelo, the Renaissance artist who sculpted religious scenes; the Holy Grail, the mythical cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper; and Bloody Mary, a folklore legend of a ghost or a witch who appears in a mirror when summoned.
The song can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the listener’s perspective and background.
Some possible interpretations are:
- The song is a metaphor for Lady Gaga’s relationship with fame and the media, as she compares herself to Mary Magdalene, who was persecuted for her association with Jesus. She expresses her devotion to her fans (“When you’re gone I’ll tell them my religion’s you“) and her defiance to her critics (“I won’t cry for you / I won’t crucify the things you do“). She also acknowledges the dangers and sacrifices of being a celebrity (“When Pontius comes to kill the king upon his throne / I’m ready for their stones“).
- The song is a reflection of Lady Gaga’s personal faith and spirituality as she explores her connection with Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. She expresses her admiration for their courage and compassion (“Love is just a history that they may prove”) and her desire to emulate their actions (“I’ll dance dance dance with my hands hands hands / Above my head like Jesus said“). She also asks for forgiveness and mercy for herself and others (“Forgive him before he’s dead“).
- The song is a tribute to Lady Gaga’s fans who have supported her throughout her career. She calls them “Bloody Mary” as a term of endearment and empowerment, as they share her passion and vision. She thanks them for their loyalty (“When you’re gone I’ll still be Bloody Mary“) and invites them to join her in celebrating life (“I’ll dance dance dance with my hands hands hands / Above my head like Jesus said“).
What album is “Bloody Mary” featured on?
Bloody Mary is featured on Lady Gaga’s second studio album, Born This Way (2011). The album was released on May 23, 2011 by Interscope Records. It was a commercial and critical success, selling over six million copies worldwide and receiving three Grammy nominations. The album was also praised for its diversity and experimentation, as it incorporated various musical genres and influences, such as rock, metal, disco, country, opera, and house.
The album was inspired by Lady Gaga’s personal experiences and beliefs, as well as by various social issues and movements. The album’s title track was an anthem for self-acceptance and empowerment, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Other songs addressed topics such as immigration (“Americano”), bullying (“Hair”), sexuality (“Government Hooker”), feminism (“Scheiße”), love (“Yoü and I”), and mortality (“The Edge of Glory”).
Are there any specific historical or cultural references in the Bloody Mary lyrics?
As mentioned before, the lyrics of Bloody Mary are full of historical and cultural references, both explicit and implicit.
Some of the most notable ones are:
- Mary Magdalene: She was a Jewish woman who followed Jesus as one of his disciples. She was present at his crucifixion and resurrection and is considered by some Christian traditions as the “apostle to the apostles”. She is also associated with the legend of the Holy Grail, which is believed to be the cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper or the vessel that collected his blood at the cross. She is often depicted as a repentant sinner or a prostitute, although there is no biblical evidence for this. She is also sometimes confused with Mary of Bethany, who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume, or Mary, the mother of James and Joseph.
- Pontius Pilate: He was the Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus and ordered his crucifixion. He is portrayed in the Gospels as a reluctant and indecisive ruler who tried to appease the Jewish leaders and the crowd that demanded Jesus’ death. He famously asked, “What is truth?” when Jesus claimed to be the king of truth. He also washed his hands to symbolise his innocence in the matter. He is regarded as a saint by some Christian churches, such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church.
- Michelangelo: He was an Italian Renaissance artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time. He was a painter, sculptor, architect, and poet who created masterpieces such as the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the Statue of David, and the design of St. Peter’s Basilica. He was also a devout Catholic who expressed his faith and spirituality in his works. He often depicted biblical scenes and characters, such as Adam and Eve, Moses, and Jesus. He also had a complex relationship with Pope Julius II, who commissioned him to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
- Bloody Mary: She is a folklore legend of a ghost or witch who appears in a mirror when someone chants her name repeatedly. The origin and details of the legend vary across cultures and regions, but it is usually associated with violence, death, or misfortune. Some versions of the legend claim that Bloody Mary was a real person who was executed for witchcraft or murder or who died in childbirth or by suicide. Some possible candidates for her identity are Mary I of England, who earned the nickname “Bloody Mary” for her persecution of Protestants; Mary Worth, a supposed witch who lived in Chicago during the Civil War; or Elizabeth Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman who allegedly killed hundreds of young girls and bathed in their blood.
Is Bloody Mary related to the urban legend or the cocktail?
There is no definitive answer to whether Bloody Mary is related to the urban legend or the cocktail of the same name, but there are some possible connections and interpretations.
One possibility is that Lady Gaga chose the title Bloody Mary as a way of invoking the horror and mystery of the urban legend as well as playing with the idea of mirrors and reflections. The song has a dark and spooky vibe that could match the mood of summoning Bloody Mary in a dimly lit bathroom. The lyrics also suggest a sense of duality and contradiction as Lady Gaga switches between different perspectives and identities. She could be seen as both Mary Magdalene and Bloody Mary, both divine and human, both loved and hated.
Another possibility is that Lady Gaga chose the title Bloody Mary as a reference to the cocktail, which is made with tomato juice, vodka, and various spices. The cocktail could symbolise Lady Gaga’s blood, passion, and courage, as well as her taste for adventure and experimentation. The lyrics also mention “liberdade e amor“, which means “freedom and love” in Portuguese, which could be seen as Lady Gaga’s motto or toast. The cocktail could also be a nod to Lady Gaga’s previous album, The Fame Monster (2009), which featured a song called Teeth, where she sang “Take a bite of my bad girl meat“.
The cocktail of Bloody Mary is believed to have been invented in Paris in the 1920s by an American bartender named Fernand Petiot. He mixed tomato juice with vodka and added salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce. He named it after Queen Mary I of England, who was known for her bloody reign. The cocktail became popular in America during the Prohibition era when people used tomato juice to disguise the smell and taste of alcohol. The cocktail is also associated with curing hangovers or being a morning drink.
How has Lady Gaga described the meaning or inspiration behind Bloody Mary?
Lady Gaga has given some insights into the meaning or inspiration behind Bloody Mary in various interviews and statements.
Here are some of her quotes:
- “I’m struggling between fantasy and reality in Bloody Mary.” “It was inspired by my car and Mary Magdalene (the ultimate rockstar’s girlfriend).”
- “I believe that Mary Magdalene was both fully divine and fully human. She has to be strong when Jesus fulfils the prophecy to die for everyone’s sins, but she still has the moment of humanity where she’s upset to let him go. She had to be a superstar, but she must have cried too.“
- “I wrote about [Mary Magdalene] a lot on this album because she’s so misunderstood. I feel like I am so misunderstood. I have so many fans that are so young that think that I’m some kind of vessel for the truth, and I’m teaching them things about culture and art, and they think that I know everything, and I don’t know anything. And I just want to be a part of their lives and be their friend.”
- “Bloody Mary is quite subtle, actually; it’s a song about Mary being divine and human at the same time, with a subtext (maybe it’s not even a subtext) about the role of a woman who is supposed to be a superstar and a real woman at the same time. Not life-alteringly deep, perhaps, but it works as a pop song.”
What is the overall tone and musical style of Bloody Mary?
Bloody Mary is an electropop song with elements of synth-pop and trance. It has a dark and haunting atmosphere with distorted vocals, heavy drums, and synth sounds. It also features Gregorian chants in the background, which add to the religious and mystical mood of the song.
The song has a tempo of 120 beats per minute and is written in the key of A minor. It follows a chord progression of Am–F–C–G throughout.
The song has a simple structure, consisting of an intro, four verses, four pre-choruses, four choruses, a post-chorus, a bridge, and an outro.
The song has been compared to the works of other artists and bands, such as Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Madonna, and Evanescence. Some critics have praised the song for its production values and originality, while others have criticised it for being too repetitive or derivative.
What is the public and critical reception of Bloody Mary?
Bloody Mary received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production, lyrics, and atmosphere.
Some of the critics’ comments are:
- Bloody Mary is a gothic electro-pop track that features Gregorian chants and distorted vocals. It’s one of the most interesting and original songs on the album, as it explores Lady Gaga’s fascination with Mary Magdalene and her role as a superstar and a human being.
- Bloody Mary is a spooky and haunting song that showcases Lady Gaga’s versatility and creativity. It has a dark and industrial sound that contrasts with the religious references and the catchy chorus. It’s a song that challenges the listener’s expectations and invites them to interpret its meaning.
- Bloody Mary is a brilliant and complex song that blends elements of synth-pop, trance, and gothic rock. It has a powerful and dramatic production that matches Lady Gaga’s distorted and emotive vocals. It’s a song that explores Lady Gaga’s identity and spirituality, as well as her connection with Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ.
Bloody Mary was not released as an official single, but it still managed to chart in several countries due to digital downloads and streaming. It peaked at number 10 in South Korea, number 30 in France, number 39 in Canada, and number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
In 2022, following the release of the Netflix comedy horror series Wednesday, the titular character’s dance and fan recreations of the song went viral on video sharing service TikTok. This resulted in a large increase in plays of the song on Spotify, and Bloody Mary was sent to French and Italian radio as a single in December 2022, eleven years after the release of Born This Way. The following month, it was also sent to US pop and adult contemporary radios. After being released as a single, the song charted in Europe and North America; it reached the top 40 in several nations, including Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom; and the top 20 in Italy, Poland, Hungary, Greece, and on the pop and hot adult contemporary radio formats in the United States.
Are there any official music videos or live performances of Bloody Mary available to watch?
Bloody Mary does not have an official music video, but there are some fan-made and unofficial videos that have been created and uploaded online. One of the most popular and acclaimed ones is a 3D animated video by Gaga Daily, a fan site dedicated to Lady Gaga. The video was released in 2020 and features Lady Gaga and her dancers performing the song in various settings and outfits inspired by the song’s lyrics and themes. The video has over 600,000 views on YouTube and has received positive feedback from fans and critics.
Lady Gaga has performed Bloody Mary live several times, most notably as part of her Born This Way Ball tour (2012–2013), where she appeared on stage in a white dress and a crown of thorns, surrounded by dancers dressed as monks. She also performed the song live at the iTunes Festival in London in 2013, where she wore a black leather outfit and a veil. She also sang a snippet of the song during her Joanne World Tour in 2017.
How does Bloody Mary fit within the larger context of Lady Gaga’s discography and artistic evolution?
Bloody Mary is one of the songs that showcase Lady Gaga’s artistic evolution and experimentation, as well as her willingness to explore different genres, influences, and topics in her music. The song is a departure from her previous dance-pop hits, such as Poker Face or Bad Romance, and demonstrates her versatility and creativity as a singer-songwriter and producer.
The song is also one of the ones that reflect Lady Gaga’s personal experiences and beliefs, as well as her connection with her fans and society. The song reveals Lady Gaga’s fascination with religion and spirituality, especially with Christianity and Mary Magdalene. The song also expresses Lady Gaga’s struggle with fame and identity, as well as her devotion to her fans and her defiance of her critics.
Bloody Mary is also one of the songs that have had a lasting impact and influence on culture and the media, especially after the release of the Netflix series Wednesday in 2022. The song has gained new popularity and relevance as it inspired a viral dance challenge on TikTok and a resurgence in streaming and radio play. The song has also been praised for its empowering and inspiring message, especially for women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Bloody Mary is a song that represents Lady Gaga’s artistry and legacy, as well as her contribution to the music industry and society. It is a song that challenges, provokes, and entertains while also offering a glimpse into Lady Gaga’s mind and heart.
Conclusion
Bloody Mary is a song that showcases Lady Gaga’s talent and vision as a pop star and an artist. It is a song that blends different musical styles and influences and creates a unique and captivating sound. It is a song that explores various themes and topics, such as religion, death, love, fame, and identity. It is a song that has multiple meanings and interpretations, depending on the listener’s perspective and background. It is a song that has received positive reviews and recognition from critics and fans alike. It is a song that has had a significant cultural impact and influence, especially after the release of the Netflix series Wednesday in 2022. It is a song that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated for its artistic value and social relevance.
Bloody Mary is more than just a song. It is a statement, a story, a journey, and a phenomenon. It is a song that reveals Lady Gaga’s essence and spirit, as well as her connection with her fans and society. It is a song that represents Lady Gaga’s artistry and legacy, as well as her contribution to the music industry and society.
Bloody Mary is a masterpiece.
Lady Gaga Bloody Mary Lyrics
Money
Oh
Love is just a history that they may prove
And when you’re gone
I’ll tell them my religion’s you
When Punktious comes to kill the king upon his throne
I’m ready for their stones
I’ll dance, dance, dance
With my hands, hands, hands
Above my head, head, head
Like Jesus said
I’m gonna dance, dance, dance
With my hands, hands, hands above my head
Hands together, forgive him before he’s dead, because
I won’t cry for you
I won’t crucify the things you do
I won’t cry for you
See, when you’re gone, I’ll still be Bloody Mary
Love
We are not just art for Michelangelo to carve
He can’t rewrite the aggro of my furied heart
I’ll wait on mountain tops in Paris, cold
J’veux pas mourir toute seule
I’ll dance, dance, dance
With my hands, hands, hands
Above my head, head, head
Like Jesus said
I’m gonna dance, dance, dance
With my hands, hands, hands above my head
Hands together, forgive him before he’s dead, because
I won’t cry for you
I won’t crucify the things you do
I won’t cry for you
See, when you’re gone, I’ll still be Bloody Mary
Love
Gaga, Gaga
Gaga, Gaga
Gaga, Gaga
Gaga, Gaga
Gaga, Gaga
Gaga, Gaga
Gaga, Gaga
Gaga, Gaga
Dum dum, da-di-da
Dum dum, da-di-da-dadda-da-di-da
Dum dum, da-di-da
Dum dum, da-di-da
Dum dum, da-di-da-dadda-da-di-da
Dum dum, da-di-da
I won’t cry for you
I won’t crucify the things you do, do, do
I won’t cry for you
See, when you’re gone, I’ll still be Bloody Mary
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Líberate, mi amor
