“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” – Marvin Gaye
(Words/music: Marvin Gaye, available on What’s Going On, Motown 1971)

When presented with a soapbox, Marvin Gaye responds with a snapshot rather than a sermon.  The What’s Going On album draws on a host of social issues, yet it’s not driven by a specific agenda.  Take “Mercy Mercy Me,” a song that still seems relevant as the world’s leaders meet in Copenhagen right now to discuss the global climate.  Gaye describes the fragile state of the environment in a subdued yet soulful tone.  While he implies judgment on the situation when he notes that “things ain’t what they used to be,” he never pushes his agenda.  In this case, it’s an asset to the song; Gaye’s arrangement feels intimate and contemplative, and any attempt at sloganeering wouldn’t fit the situation. 

So why bring up the environment at all?  In this case, it seems like an issue of conscience.  Gaye seems intent on crafting an accurate depiction of his world and wrote songs about what he saw.  “Mercy Mercy Me” depends on this feeling of authenticity; otherwise, the Hollywood strings and orchestral touches might feel cheesy.  Instead, these embellishments give Gaye’s impassioned vocals and serious subject matter the gravitas it deserves.  Anything else – whether a truncated vision of the world, an out-of-character rally cry, or the privileging of persona over person – makes “Mercy Mercy Me” laughable.  While other scenarios use personas to their advantage (and Gaye does this as well, especially in his “Let’s Get It On” days), a disarmingly beautiful song like “Mercy Mercy Me” calls for complete truth.  Even if the truth is that Gaye doesn’t have an answer (and if anyone did, our leaders wouldn’t be in Copenhagen right now), he does his part by getting the conversation rolling.

More on Marvin Gaye: Allmusic | Amazon MP3 | Emusic | Last.fm