by Mary J. Blige has been blessing us with her soulful R&B hits for over 25 years now. Ever since her debut album What’s the 411? dropped in 1992, Mary has been giving us anthem after anthem. Songs like “Real Love,” “Family Affair,” “Be Without You,” and “No More Drama” have become classics that still get heavy radio play to this day. Her music has been the soundtrack to many of our lives.
Which is why it came as a surprise when Mary recently revealed that there is one of her biggest hits that she feels “awkward” singing – her smash 1997 track “Get the Party Started.” During an interview on Apple Music’s Zane Lowe show, Mary confessed: “I feel like an idiot when I sing ‘Get the Party Started.’ I wrote that song when I was 18 or 19 years old. At the time, I thought it was cool to be cool with the party, but now I realize that it’s not cool. It’s dangerous.”
This honest admission really struck me as a lifelong fan. “Get the Party Started” was THE jam back in ’97. That infectious horn sample, the funky bassline, and Mary’s sassy vocals were perfect for hitting the club and letting loose on the dancefloor. It’s one of those songs that I can still recite every lyric to after all these years. So to hear Mary feels “awkward” about performing it now was unexpected.
But when you break down the lyrics, I can understand where she’s coming from. The whole song is about living a fast life, drinking, staying out late, and getting attention. The pre-chorus goes: “No needing to get up and check the time/No hurry, no worry until the A.M./I’m just rocking, steady rocking here all night long.” And the hook proclaims: “Let me see ya get the party started/We gonna keep it up until we’re zoning.”
Looking back now as a more mature woman in her 50s, I can see how Mary might feel those words don’t represent her values anymore. She even explained: “It’s about being famous and wanting attention. I’ve grown up a lot since then. I’m not that young girl anymore.” Mary is all about empowerment and depth now. Her last album Good Morning Gorgeous had songs like “Good Morning Gorgeous,” “Love Without The Heartbreak,” and “Rent Money” – mature, wise tunes.
So singing vapid lyrics about partying all night probably makes Mary feel disingenuous to who she is today. As she put it: “I know that fame is not everything it’s cracked up to be. It’s a lot of pressure and a lot of responsibility. I’m not sure I would want it again if I had the choice.” Mary keeps it real and doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not. Even though “Get the Party Started” was a signature hit and launched her into superstardom, she can admit the sentiment behind it no longer fits.
That said, Mary also told Zane Lowe she has no plans to stop performing the track. She understands her fans still adore it. “I know that my fans love ‘Get the Party Started,’ and I would never want to disappoint them,” she confessed. “So I will continue to perform it, but I’ll always feel a little bit awkward about it.” And we as the fans appreciate that! I know I would be so bummed if I went to a Mary J. Blige concert and she didn’t do “Get the Party Started.” It’s just one of those nostalgic songs that instantly takes you back.
Despite feeling conflicted about its message, Mary still manages to give 110% when doing “Get the Party Started” live. I’ll never forget when I saw her on the King and Queen of Hearts tour in 2016. The minute that horn sample kicked in, the whole arena was on their feet and pumped up. Mary strutted across the stage, singing her heart out, working the crowd into a frenzy. You’d never know she has mixed emotions about it, because she still slays the song! Her professionalism and commitment to making fans happy is amazing.
So while completely understandable from an artistic perspective, it’s reassuring to know Mary won’t flat-out retire “Get the Party Started.” Because it remains an undisputed crowdpleaser and bonafide hit. For so many R&B devotees like myself, it’s our favorite Mary J. Blige track to dance and sing along to. And even if the lyrics seem juvenile in hindsight, they capture a moment of youthful abandon that still resonates. Sometimes you just wanna let loose on the weekend!
I applaud Mary for being candid about outgrowing some of her past work. It shows her personal growth and integrity as an artist. But I also give her major props for continuing to connect with fans by performing songs like “Get the Party Started,” even when the content makes her cringe now. That’s the mark of a true professional entertainer – being able to separate your own feelings from what the audience enjoys. Mary has mastered that skill.
No matter what, Mary J. Blige will always be the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. All of her music – from the youthful party anthems to the mature adult ballads – comprise her legacy. Everything Mary does comes straight from the heart. That’s why her songs resonate and stand the test of time. She’s stayed true to who she is at every phase of her career. So if “Get the Party Started” no longer fits Mary’s current vibe, that’s understandable. Her real fans will love her no matter what she sings. Mary’s talent and authenticity shine through on everything.
