Mary Mary, Shackles (Praise You) | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 25^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2024), we highlight “Shackles (Praise You)” performed by Grammy-winning gospel duo, Mary Mary.

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 25th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2024), we dive into “Shackles (Praise You)”, by gospel duo, Mary Mary.

“Down for so long, feel like all hope was gone / But as I lift my hands, I understand / That I should praise You through my circumstance.” Truth! Grammy-winning contemporary gospel duo Mary Mary is one of the biggest acts in contemporary gospel music. The duo comprised of sisters Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell earned a multiplatinum album (Thankful) and a pair of gold albums (Incredible and Mary Mary). That is impressive for Christian and gospel music.  However, did you know that duo, who’ve reached the pop charts thrice, has only one top-40 hit to their name? Yes, I know, gospel acts aren’t ‘pop’ artists, and making the Billboard Hot 100 is a bonus. But, Mary Mary did impact the pop charts once with their platinum single, “Shackles (Praise You)”. “Shackles” reached no. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2000.  It propelled Thankful to double platinum status.

“But, I know You wanna see

If I will hold on through these trials

But I need You to lift this load

‘Cause I can’t take it no more.” – Tina Campbell

So, what made “Shackles (Praise You),” a gospel record, perform well on the pop charts? “Shackles (Praise You)” emulated the sounds of R&B of 2000.  Yes, Erica and Tina Campbell were giving all the glory and honor to God but, they did so with a fresh, trendy sound.  Mary Mary penned “Shackles” with songwriter and producer Warryn Campbell, who’d become Erica’s husband.  Warryn produced alongside Poke and Tone.  The song, indeed, makes you want to dance, while also giving off encouraging, spiritual vibes.  The positivity and danceable aesthetic propelled this song to pop success. The section to beat is the chorus:

“Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
(What you wanna do?)
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
(Feel me?)
And I’m gonna praise You
(What you gonna do?)
I’m gonna praise You.”

The chorus sums things up perfectly.  God has been merciful and allowed Mary Mary to break free from various things, so therefore, they want to give thanks and praise Him. All said and done, “Shackles (Praise You)” still means the most to believers, but even those who don’t ascribe to religion can dig the positive vibes, pushing 25 years later.

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Intriguing Songs Associated with Chains ⛓ (2021)
• Praise 🙌: 5ive Songs No. 24 (2021)
• 11 Songs Filled with Immense Praise 🙌 (2022)

Mary Mary // Thankful // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 2000

Mary Mary, Shackles (Praise You): 1 Hit WONDERful No. 25 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony BMG Music Entertainment; Elias Souza from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]