Mercedes Boy – Pebbles | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#2), R&B (#1) and Dance (#2); 1988
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Although Mercedes Boy followed Girlfriend up the charts, it had been written before Pebbles first hit. In fact, it was a video demo version of Mercedes Boy that encouraged MCA Records to pursue Pebbles.
The song was inspired by a real relationship from the singer’s own life. Throughout high school Pebbles and her future lover would see each other at a local hangout. This went on for five years, each waving at the other across a crowded room, until they finally met.
Love prevailed: so much so that Pebbles penned a song about her Mercedes boy, named after his car of choice. Produced by Charlie Wilson of the Gap Band, Mercedes Boy sped to the top of the R&B chart in late spring, 1988, making it two #1’s in a row.
Pebbles maintained her hit-making momentum as Take Your Time reached #3 R&B, and Giving You The Benefit and Love Makes Things Happen both went to #1.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Charlie Wilson
- Pebbles (additional production)
Lyrics Written by:
- Pebbles
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).