Aimee Mann made the perilous transition from (sort of) one-hit wonder status as head of an 80s band to forging one of the finest singer-songwriter careers of her era. Songs like “Mr. Harris” solidified her as a writer and performer of rare finesse and grace.
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Found on her 1993 solo debut, the song is musically reminiscent of the baroque pop ballads of the late 60s. Lyrically, it gives a unique take on what some might call a May-December romance.
Mann Goes Solo
As lead singer of ‘Til Tuesday, Aimee Mann belted out one of the most iconic singles of the 80s. “Voices Carry”, replete with an unforgettable video, hit the Top 10 in 1985 on the band’s first try. A year later, another Top 40 hit in “What About Love” arrived.
But by the time the band made their third album, Everything’s Different Now, in 1988, their record label had largely lost interest in the product. Mann began working with outside collaborators, most notably Jon Brion, in the creation of new music. Only she couldn’t get her record label to either get on board or let her sign elsewhere.
After five long years of recording inactivity, she found a new label and released the stellar Whatever in 1993. The album found her establishing a distinct solo identity, one focused on songcraft over pop production techniques.
“Mr. Harris” gives a good indication of the new musical direction that Mann was traveling. The song features strings and horns galore. This instrumentation proves ideal for the lovely melody that Mann concocted. The tune also shows off her vocal ability, as she follows her character’s path from timid and restrained to urgent and decisive.
Exploring the Lyrics of “Mr. Harris”
The stereotype of the older man dating a much younger woman often comes laden with impure motives. But what if the affection between such a couple was genuine? And what if it was the younger girl who initiated it based on her feelings for an older gentleman, one who’s also been looking for that soulmate that has eluded him for his entire life?
We find out in the opening lines that this guy lives with his sister. It implies he might not be that wealthy, which means the girl’s infatuation with him has little to do with finances. “His hair is white, but he looks half his age,” the girl explains. “He looks like Jimmy Stewart in his younger days.”
She’s met with skepticism from her mother: “She tries to tell me/A father figure must be what I want.” And she’s realistic about the drawbacks she’s likely to encounter. “Of course I know that/We’ve only got ten years of twenty left.”
Young though she may be, her wisdom in realizing this is the real thing shines through. “Sometimes it takes a lifetime to get what you need,” she explains. In the refrain, Mann’s voice rises as the narrator rebuts her doubters: “Honestly/I might be stupid to think love is love/But I do.”
She then addresses her intended for the only time in the lyrics: “And you’ve waited so long/And I’ve waited long enough for you.” We don’t know if a happy ending waits for her and “Mr. Harris.” But we do know that Aimee Mann renders their tale with touching sweetness and a refreshing lack of judgment.
Photo by Sheryl Nields
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