Merc Man
Kim Carnes · Voyeur [1982]
Larry got a job as a soda jerk
Worked five days bought a 55 merc
He raised it in the front
He lowered in the back
Now all the girls just call him Mercury Jack
He's the Merc man how do you do
Merc man that's who
Merc man he likes to cruise around
Merc man he's got his coolness down
Saturday night Larry's in the valley dancin'
He looks across the room
And spots some black stretch
Pants and she got
Legs tha go clear up to the rafters
A pair of nocturnal fantasy hips
He knew right away what
He was after
When she looked his way and moistened her lips
He said I'm the Merc man how do you do
Merc man that's who
Merc man he likes to cruise around
Merc man he's got his coolness down
Larry's pulse quickened
As she crossed the floor
He backed up slowly
And showed her to the door
She yes with her xray eyes
She walked up to him
And he just sighed
I'm the Merc man how do you do
Merc man that's who
Merc man he likes to cruise around
Merc man he's got his coolness down
Merc Man
Kim Carnes delivered a distinctive vocal performance on "Merc Man," a track featured on her 1982 album Voyeur. This recording emerged during a pivotal era in her career, just prior to her massive commercial breakthrough with "Bette Davis Eyes." The song showcases Carnes' signature raspy, textured delivery and her ability to navigate the boundaries between rock and new wave. While often overshadowed by her later hits, "Merc Man" remains a compelling example of her early work, reflecting the experimental production styles of the early 1980s. The track contributes to a diverse discography that blends pop sensibilities with gritty, character-driven songwriting. Listeners familiar with her extensive catalogue will recognize the consistent artistic identity that defines her recordings from this period.