mercy (Duffy song)

"Mercy" was written by Duffy and Steve Booker during the final stages of completion for Rockferry. In an interview with Mojo, Duffy noted that she "felt something was missing and 'Mercy' was that missing thing", saying that herself and Booker were "writing it literally at the end, when the strings were being put on 'Rockferry' and 'Warwick Avenue". Duffy first met Booker by chance because she bought the flat in Ladbroke Grove that Booker had been renting. Booker's girlfriend met Duffy and then introduced the pair. Duffy has later noted of the experience:

"We went for coffee and I had this gut feeling that we should write together. I asked Jeanette [Lee] what she thought and she just said, we’ve made this record so go and have fun, be creative. By the end of hanging out in the studio for two weeks we had 'Mercy' and 'Stepping Stone'."

Duffy had already written the lyrics to "Mercy" before her meeting with Steve Booker, although she has since said that she "never [has] a plan as that always fails", in reference to the writing of the song. Duffy has noted that during recording with Booker, "Mercy" "was like this melodic poem in my mind, which I just had to get out, and I knew exactly what I wanted it to sound like". She has also said that they "built the song from the bottom up", also noting that it is "very important that my songs start from an organic source, rather than a drum loop". When asked of the lyrical meaning of the song, Duffy said:

"The lyrics were about having a feeling towards someone, whether it’s a romantic feeling or just some chemistry that you don’t want, and you desperately want to be released from that feeling."

According to Duffy, "Mercy" is autobiographical and is about "sexual liberty" and "not doing something somebody else wants you to do".{{cite web| url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/03/26/new-video-duffy-mercy/| title=New Video: Duffy, 'Mercy'| publisher=Music Television (Buzzworthy)| author=Anitai, Tamar| date=26 March 2008| access-date=17 July 2009| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113073735/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/03/26/new-video-duffy-mercy/| archive-date=13 January 2009}} Duffy has also said in an interview with Observer Music Monthly that she sings "Mercy" "several times a day and it's just like having sex every time".{{cite web| url=http://www.itv.com/Entertainment/celebrity/Articles/Duffys-sexy-song-691355120.html| title=Duffy's sexy song| publisher=ITV| date=19 May 2008| access-date=21 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611144402/http://www.itv.com/Entertainment/celebrity/Articles/Duffys-sexy-song-691355120.html| archive-date=11 June 2009| url-status=dead}} However, Duffy has expressed fear "about saying what a song is about" because she felt that the lyrical interpretation is her "issues and baggage and when someone else listens to the song it isn’t about my baggage anymore it’s about their baggage". According to Mark Edward Nero of About.com, the song is "a tale of lust".{{cite web| url=http://randb.about.com/od/reviews/fr/DuffyRockferry.htm| title=Duffy – Rockferry| publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company| author=Edward Nero, Mark| work=About.com Entertainment| access-date=11 August 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706134324/http://randb.about.com/od/reviews/fr/DuffyRockferry.htm| archive-date=6 July 2008| url-status=live}}

In an interview with HitQuarters Booker said he searching for a song that you could imagine sending the audience crazy on the 1960s UK pop show Ready Steady Go!.{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Steve_Booker_Interview.html |title=Interview With Steve Booker |publisher=HitQuarters |date=8 March 2010 |access-date=23 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314061705/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_Steve_Booker_Interview.html |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} After first trying to match "Stepping Stone" with this idea he then sang the fledgling "Mercy" and found it fit.

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Adele, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, and The Supremes.

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"Mercy" is set in common time, with a tempo of 130 beats per minute and is written in the key of G major.{{cite web| url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0070683| title=Duffy – Mercy Sheet Music (Digital Download)| date=19 January 2009| publisher=Musicnotes.com. Musicnotes, Inc| access-date=18 August 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501092907/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0070683| archive-date=1 May 2009| url-status=live}} Duffy's vocal range spans from D₄ to D₆.{{cite web |title=Duffy: Mercy Sheet Music |work=sheetmusicdirect.com |publisher=EMI Music Publishing Limited (60%)/Universal Music Publishing Limited (40%) |url=http://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/se/ID_No/40290/Product.aspx |access-date=18 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531182054/http://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/se/ID_No/40290/Product.aspx |archive-date=31 May 2009 |url-status=live }}

Lyrically, "Mercy" is about "intense longing for an attractive guy". Mark Edward Nero of About.com noted that "[although] the song sets the stage for who Duffy is as an artist as well as a person" it was "still fairly tame, lyrically". The BBC Chart Blog compared the song to Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools" and "Where Are You Baby?" by Betty Boo.{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2008/02/duffy_mercy.shtml| title=Duffy – 'Mercy'| author=McAlpine, Fraser| date=16 February 2008| publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation| access-date=24 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328051134/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2008/02/duffy_mercy.shtml| archive-date=28 March 2009| url-status=live}}

The introduction to "Mercy" is similar to the opening bars of "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King. The sound is slightly different from that of "Stand by Me", however, because "Mercy" uses the 1st, 5th and flattened 7th degrees of the scale, instead of the 1st, 5th and major 7th. This change creates a bluesy sound. The song is written in the 12-bar blues form, using the chords I7, IV7 and V7.

"Mercy" garnered overwhelming acclaim from critics, often being praised for its catchy bass line and "summery", jazzy themes. Digital Spy gave the single a positive review, noting that the single was "a catchy, danceable Northern soul pastiche" and that the "baseline practically reeks of sweat and stale cigarette smoke".{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a88737/duffy-mercy.html| title=Duffy: 'Mercy'| author=Levine, Nick| website=Digital Spy| date=25 February 2008| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527021610/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a88737/duffy-mercy.html| archive-date=27 May 2009| url-status=live}} The Times in a review for Rockferry said that "Mercy" is "a slight but darned catchy number" and "a classic radio hit".{{cite web| url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article3439585.ece| title=Duffy: Rockferry| author=Stanley, Bob| date=1 March 2008| work=The Times| publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd| access-date=19 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907003430/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article3439585.ece| archive-date=7 September 2008| url-status=dead}} The reviewer also drew comparisons between "Mercy" and Amy Winehouse's critically acclaimed single "Rehab". The Independent said that "Mercy" and "Rockferry" "are tracks that stand out as something special", whilst noting that the "uptempo organ funk" provides "the album's one truly memorable groove".{{cite web| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-duffy-rockferry-am-785199.html| title=Album: Duffy, Rockferry (A&M)| work=The Independent| publisher=Independent News and Media Limited| author=Gill, Andy| date=22 February 2008| access-date=19 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103090125/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-duffy-rockferry-am-785199.html| archive-date=3 November 2012| url-status=live}} PopMatters said that the song was "still grounded in a bouncing Motown rhythm but [with] the added colour of jaunty keyboards", whilst again comparing the song to "Rehab".{{cite web| url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/duffy-rockferry| title=Duffy Rockferry| publisher=Pop Matters. PopMatters Media, Inc.| access-date=19 July 2009| author=Baynes, Chris| date=21 May 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418072909/http://popmatters.com/pm/review/duffy-rockferry| archive-date=18 April 2009| url-status=live}}

The Observer, in an extremely positive review for Rockferry, said that "Mercy" "is a big, booming, finger-wagging sashay worthy of the Supremes".{{cite web| url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/feb/17/popandrock.features14| title=Duffy, Rockferry| author=McLean, Craig| date=17 February 2008| work=The Observer| publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited| access-date=19 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006205926/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/feb/17/popandrock.features14| archive-date=6 October 2014| url-status=live}} In a positive review for Rockferry, American music magazine Billboard said that "Mercy" "is about as summery as summery gets".{{cite magazine| url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/rockferry-1003801561.story| title=Rockferry| author=Vrabel, Jeff| date=17 May 2008| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc| access-date=21 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026071204/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/rockferry-1003801561.story| archive-date=26 October 2012| url-status=dead}} NME, giving Rockferry a negative review, had a mixed attitude towards "Mercy", comparing the song's "Austin Powers organ" to work by Aretha Franklin.{{cite web| url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/9535| title=NME Reviews – Duffy – Rockferry| work=New Musical Express| publisher=IPC Media| author=Cochrane, Greg| date=29 February 2008| access-date=19 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014224921/http://www.nme.com/reviews/9535| archive-date=14 October 2012| url-status=live}} Slant said that the song has a "bass-heavy syncopated beat, "Yeah, yeah, yeah" refrain [and an] obvious '60s-pop frame of reference". However, the song was given negative comparisons to Amy Winehouse.{{cite web| url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1383| title=Duffy – Rockferry| date=8 May 2008| author=Keefe, Jonathan| work=Slant| access-date=19 July 2009| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113173357/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1383| archive-date=13 January 2009}} "Mercy" also appeared on various critics' "Top" lists. Bill Lamb of About.com placed "Mercy" at number 29 in a list of his favourite 100 songs of 2008.{{cite web| url=http://top40.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/top100songs2008.07.htm| title=Top 100 Pop Songs 2008| author=Lamb, Bill| work=About.com Entertainment| publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company| access-date=23 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111235902/http://top40.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/top100songs2008.07.htm| archive-date=11 January 2009| url-status=live}} Fred Bronson of Billboard placed "Mercy" at number two,{{cite magazine| url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/ask-bb/chart-beat-lady-gaga-luis-fonsi-taylor-swift-1003928565.story| title=Chart Beat: Lady GaGa, Luis Fonsi, Taylor Swift, 'Purple Rain'| author=Bronson, Fred| date=8 January 2009| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc| access-date=21 July 2009 }}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} whilst the magazine's Keith Caulfield placed "Mercy" in an alphabetical list of his favourite songs of 2008.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/ask-billboard/269673/ask-billboard-top-10-lists-fleetwood-mac-mixi-the-veronicas |title=Ask Billboard: Top 10 Lists, Fleetwood Mac, Mixi, The Veronicas |author=Caulfield, Keith |date=1 February 2009 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |access-date=21 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626230728/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/ask-billboard/269673/ask-billboard-top-10-lists-fleetwood-mac-mixi-the-veronicas |archive-date=26 June 2013 }}

{{Quote box

| quote = "60's pop star Dusty Springfield is smiling from beyond every time Duffy opens her mouth to sing."

| source = Bill Lamb, About.com

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"Mercy" won the 2008 MOJO Award for Song of the Year. MOJO editor Phil Alexander called the song a "timeless" classic that "could really have come from any period in time over the last 50 years".{{cite web| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2139775/Duffy-wins-big-with-Mercy-at-Mojo-Awards.html| title=Duffy wins big with Mercy at Mojo Awards| work=The Telegraph| publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited| author=Singh, Anita| date=18 June 2008| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515112655/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2139775/Duffy-wins-big-with-Mercy-at-Mojo-Awards.html| archive-date=15 May 2020| url-status=dead}} The single was nominated for a BRIT Award in 2009, for Best British Single.{{cite magazine| url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269583/coldplay-duffy-atop-brit-awards-nominees| title=Coldplay, Duffy Atop BRIT Awards Nominees| author=Sexton, Paul| date=20 January 2009| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609094312/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269583/coldplay-duffy-atop-brit-awards-nominees| archive-date=9 June 2013| url-status=live}} Duffy's performance of "Warwick Avenue" at the ceremony helped to increase sales of "Mercy" by double the market average before the broadcast.{{cite magazine| url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i83b3be812614cf994791e80a4a9e2b77| title=Brits Artists' Sales Surge| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc| author=Paine, Andre| date=19 February 2009| access-date=15 September 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515112656/https://www.billboard.com/business| archive-date=15 May 2020| url-status=live}} The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award in the category "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance". The song was also nominated during various award ceremonies including the MTV Europe Music Awards (Most Addictive Track),{{cite web| url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/shows/emas/news/45472-mtv-ema-nominations| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220101525/http://www.mtv.co.uk/shows/emas/news/45472-mtv-ema-nominations| url-status=dead| archive-date=20 December 2016| title=MTV EMA Nominations| publisher=Music Television| access-date=21 July 2009 }} Q Awards (Best Track){{cite web|url=http://www2.qawards.co.uk/2008/2008/10/keanes_comeback_single_spirall.html |author=Barnes, Anthony |title=Keane land Best Track award |work=Q |publisher=Bauer |date=6 October 2008 |access-date=18 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209064958/http://www2.qawards.co.uk/2008/2008/10/keanes_comeback_single_spirall.html |archive-date=9 December 2008}} and the 2009 Music Producers Guild Awards (UK Single of the Year).{{cite web|url=http://www.mpg.org.uk/news_stories/123 |title=2009 MPG awards winners and nominees |publisher=Music Producers Guild |date=16 February 2009 |access-date=15 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427015256/http://www.mpg.org.uk/news_stories/123 |archive-date=27 April 2009}} "Mercy" was also nominated for PRS for Most Performed Work and Best-selling British Song at the 2008 Ivor Novello Awards,{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a153438/duffy-coldplay-lead-ivor-novellos-shortlist.html| title=Duffy, Coldplay lead Ivor Novellos shortlist| website=Digital Spy| author=Levine, Nick| date=21 April 2009| access-date=17 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525023743/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a153438/duffy-coldplay-lead-ivor-novellos-shortlist.html| archive-date=25 May 2009| url-status=live}} winning in the former category.{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a156794/ivor-novellos-2009-the-winners.html| title=Ivor Novellos 2009: The Winners| author=Nissim, Mayer| date=22 May 2009| website=Digital Spy| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525084408/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a156794/ivor-novellos-2009-the-winners.html| archive-date=25 May 2009| url-status=live}} The song was the fourth most played anywhere in the United Kingdom in 2009, revealed in a list compiled by music body PRS.{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a192424/cilmi-song-most-played-of-the-year.html| title=Cilmi song 'most played of the year'| website=Digital Spy| author=Balls, David| date=22 December 2009| access-date=23 December 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125055601/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a192424/cilmi-song-most-played-of-the-year.html| archive-date=25 January 2010| url-status=live}}

File:Duffy festival SOS 4.8 2009 (edited).jpg, Spain in 2009.]]

"Mercy" peaked at number-one on the UK Singles Chart solely on digital downloads on 17 February 2008 ― for the week ending dated 23 February 2008 ― three weeks before the physical release of the single. It remained at the top of the charts for five weeks until it was dethroned by "American Boy" by Estelle featuring Kanye West. "Mercy" was one of only three singles, all debuts, to achieve a five-week run at the top of the UK Singles Chart in 2008 ― the other two being "Now You're Gone" by Basshunter, which was ironically replaced at the top spot by "Mercy", and "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry.{{cite magazine| url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046504/duffy-joins-johnson-atop-uk-charts| title=Duffy Joins Johnson Atop U.K. Charts| author=Sexton, Paul| date=18 February 2008| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc| access-date=17 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902130502/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046504/duffy-joins-johnson-atop-uk-charts| archive-date=2 September 2014| url-status=live}}{{cite magazine| url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046154/duffy-retains-control-on-uk-charts| title=Duffy Retains Control on U.K. Charts| author=Sexton, Paul| date=17 March 2008| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc| access-date=17 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915142904/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046154/duffy-retains-control-on-uk-charts| archive-date=15 September 2014| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/I%20Kissed%20A%20Girl| title=The Official Charts Company – Duffy – Mercy| publisher=Official Charts Company| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430185020/http://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/I%20KISSED%20A%20GIRL/| archive-date=30 April 2015| url-status=live}} "Mercy" became Britain's third-best-selling single of 2008, selling 536,000 copies in 2008 alone.{{cite web| url=http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Music-Review/duffy-and-alexandra-burke-top-2008-sales-charts| title=Duffy and Alexandra Burke top 2008 sales charts| author=Foley, Jack| publisher=IndieLondon.co.uk| access-date=24 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309185322/http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Music-Review/duffy-and-alexandra-burke-top-2008-sales-charts| archive-date=9 March 2012| url-status=live}} The song remained inside the UK Singles Chart for over a year. One of the B-sides to the song, titled "Tomorrow", peaked far outside the top 100 of the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_D.HTM |title=Chart Log UK: Asher D – Dyverse |publisher=Zobbel.de |author=Zywietz, Tobias |access-date=11 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019075638/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_D.HTM |archive-date=19 October 2015}}

Internationally, "Mercy" became Duffy's first single to chart on the American Billboard charts. "Mercy" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 87.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045688/leona-lewis-regains-no-1-on-hot-100 |title=Leona Lewis Regains No. 1 on Hot 100 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |author=Hasty, Katie |date=1 May 2008 |access-date=21 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728220950/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045688/leona-lewis-regains-no-1-on-hot-100 |archive-date=28 July 2013 }} On the chart date 22 May 2008, the single reached its peak of 27 on the Hot 100, becoming the chart's greatest digital gainer of that week, selling 59,000 downloads.{{cite magazine| url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045313/lil-waynes-lollipop-returns-to-hot-100-peak| title=Lil Wayne's 'Lollipop' Returns To Hot 100 Peak| magazine=Billboard| publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc| date=22 May 2008| author=Cohen, Jonathan| access-date=21 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701215245/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045313/lil-waynes-lollipop-returns-to-hot-100-peak| archive-date=1 July 2014| url-status=live}} The song also topped the magazine's Eurochart Hot 100, spending in total six weeks atop the chart, including four consecutive weeks. "Mercy" also reached other Billboard charts, including number 3 on the Japan Hot 100,{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=848&cfgn=Singles&cfn=Japan+Hot+100+Singles&ci=3101905&cdi=10016400&cid=10%2F10%2F2008|title=Japan Hot 100 Singles — "Mercy" — Duffy — Chart Listing For The Week Of Oct 10 2008 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|access-date=21 July 2009}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} number 27 on the Pop 100{{cite magazine| url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=duffy|chart=all}}| title=Artist Chart History – Duffy (singles)| magazine=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc| access-date=25 May 2009}} and 13 on the Hot Digital Songs. The single was also a minor dance crossover success, reaching a peak of 35 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart, as well as peaking at a position of sixteen on the Adult Pop Songs chart.{{cite magazine| url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=duffy|chart=Adult Pop Songs}}| title=Duffy Chart History – Adult Pop Songs| magazine=Billboard| access-date=15 October 2009 }} In the United States overall, "Mercy" was certified Platinum for sales of one million copies by the American recording industry association, the RIAA.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Duffy&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104204543/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Duffy&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Gold & Platinum Database: Duffy |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=9 April 2009 }} In Canada, "Mercy" debuted at number 94 on the Canadian Hot 100 on 12 April 2008,{{cite magazine| url=http://acharts.us/canada_singles_top_100/2008/15| title=Canadian Hot 100 (week 15 2008)| magazine=Billboard| publisher=aCharts.us| access-date=23 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022135648/http://acharts.us/canada_singles_top_100/2008/15| archive-date=22 October 2012| url-status=live}} eventually peaking at 11 on 23 April 2008.{{cite magazine| url=http://acharts.us/canada_singles_top_100/2008/23| title=Canadian Hot 100 (week 23 2008)| magazine=Billboard| publisher=aCharts.us| access-date=23 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429090151/http://acharts.us/canada_singles_top_100/2008/23| archive-date=29 April 2011| url-status=live}}

{{Quote box

| quote = "I think I’m a bit all-over the place, I can't quite handle it. I was aiming for top 40, possibly top 10, so I can genuinely tell you I am really blown away."

| source = Duffy, speaking to the Daily Post North Wales after the song reached number-one in the UK.{{cite web| url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2008/02/18/north-wales-girl-duffy-tops-the-charts-55578-20487779/| title=North Wales girl Duffy tops the charts| work=Daily Post North Wales| publisher=Trinity Mirror| author=Trewyn, Hywel| date=18 February 2008| access-date=13 February 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314092537/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2008/02/18/north-wales-girl-duffy-tops-the-charts-55578-20487779/| archive-date=14 March 2012| url-status=dead}}

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"Mercy" entered the Australian ARIA Singles Chart at number 50 on the issue date of 4 May 2008,{{cite web| url=http://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2008&date=20080504| title=ARIA Singles Chart, 04/05/2008| publisher=Australian-charts.com| access-date=23 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021134259/http://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?year=2008&date=20080504&cat=s| archive-date=21 October 2012| url-status=live}} reaching a peak of 26 nearly five months later, on 14 September 2008, after staying on the chart for eighteen weeks.{{cite web| url=http://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2008&date=20080914| title=ARIA Singles Chart, 14/09/2008| publisher=Australian-charts.com| access-date=23 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216155247/http://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2008&date=20080914| archive-date=16 February 2010| url-status=live}} Despite its small impact on the Australian charts, the single was the 72nd-best-selling single of 2008,{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2008.htm |title=ARIA Top 100 Singles 2008 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=18 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413105710/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2008.htm |archive-date=13 April 2010}} and was certified Platinum for sales of 70,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupageshttpwww.aria.com.aupageshttpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accr.htm |title=Accreditations – 2009 Singles |publisher=ARIA Charts. Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=16 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305230636/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupageshttpwww.aria.com.aupageshttpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accr.htm |archive-date=5 March 2009}} "Mercy" debuted on New Zealand's RIANZ singles chart at 40,{{cite web| url=http://acharts.us/nz_singles_top_40/2008/14| title=New Zealand Singles Chart (March 31st, 2008)| publisher=aChart.us| access-date=25 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918025902/http://acharts.us/nz_singles_top_40/2008/14| archive-date=18 September 2011| url-status=live}} eventually peaking at number four.{{cite web |url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Duffy |title=Discography Duffy – New Zealand |publisher=charts.nz |access-date=17 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515112657/https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Duffy |archive-date=15 May 2020 |url-status=live }} The single was the 30th-best-selling song of 2008 in New Zealand,{{cite web|url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_annual.asp |title=Annual Top 50 Singles Chart 2008 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of New Zealand |access-date=18 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722162159/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_annual.asp |archive-date=22 July 2010}} where the song carries Gold certification, for sales of 7,500 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp |title=enter /Chart #1631 – MONDAY 25 AUGUST 2008/ (see position 32) |publisher=Recording Industry Association of New Zealand |access-date=18 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204021518/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp |archive-date=4 December 2008}}

In Europe, "Mercy" was a chart success, reaching number-one in at least eight countries in the region alone.{{cite web| url=http://acharts.us/song/33720| title=Duffy – Mercy – Music Charts| publisher=aCharts.us| access-date=19 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904153720/http://acharts.us/song/33720| archive-date=4 September 2011| url-status=live}} In Ireland, "Mercy" proved very successful, spending two separate runs at number one in 2008.{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a92089/duffy-back-on-top-in-ireland-with-mercy.html| title=Duffy back on top in Ireland with 'Mercy'| author=Kilkelly, Daniel| date=22 March 2008| website=Digital Spy| access-date=12 August 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107212233/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a92089/duffy-back-on-top-in-ireland-with-mercy.html| archive-date=7 January 2009| url-status=live}} "Mercy" also topped the Hungarian Airplay Chart,{{cite web| url=http://mahasz.hu/m/?menu=slagerlistak&menu2=archivum&lista=radios&ev=2008&het=45&submit_=Keresés| title=Keresés lista és dátum szerint – 2008. 45. hét| publisher=Mahasz| access-date=21 July 2009| language=hu| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20081220230244/http://mahasz.hu/m/?menu=slagerlistak&menu2=archivum&lista=radios&ev=2008&het=45&submit_=Keres%C3%A9s| archive-date=20 December 2008}} Dutch Top 40, German Singles Chart, Greek IFPI Singles Chart, Norwegian Singles Charts, Swiss Singles Chart and the Ö3 Austria Top 40, amongst others.{{cite web| url=http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Duffy&titel=Mercy&cat=s| title=Duffy - Mercy - swisscharts.com| publisher=swisscharts.com| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427024351/http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Duffy&titel=Mercy&cat=s| archive-date=27 April 2009| url-status=dead}}{{cite web| url=http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Duffy&titel=Mercy&cat=s| title=Duffy - Mercy - norwegiancharts.com| publisher=norwegiancharts.com| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323231316/http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Duffy&titel=Mercy&cat=s| archive-date=23 March 2009| url-status=live}}

File:Duffy Mercy.jpg

The main-release music video for "Mercy", directed by Daniel Wolfe,{{cite web| url=http://www.promonews.tv/2008/01/22/duffys-mercy-by-daniel-wolfe/| access-date=19 July 2009| author=Knight, David| title=Duffy's Mercy by Daniel Wolfe| work=PromoNews| publisher=promonews.tv| date=22 January 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907081331/http://www.promonews.tv/2008/01/22/duffys-mercy-by-daniel-wolfe/| archive-date=7 September 2011| url-status=dead}} features Duffy standing on top of a platform performing the song. Featured in the video are Northern soul dancers who dance to "Mercy". Choreographed by Natricia Bernard, the dancing involves elaborate moves, including the use of fire. "Mercy" was nominated for two awards at the UK Music Video Awards, for "People’s Choice Award" and "Best Pop Video".{{cite web|url=http://www.promonews.tv/2008/09/25/uk-music-video-awards-2008-%e2%80%93-the-nominations-are-here/ |author=Knight, David |date=25 September 2008 |title=UK Music Video Awards 2008 – the nominations are here! |work=PromoNews |publisher=promonews.tv |access-date=19 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217074220/http://www.promonews.tv/2008/09/25/uk-music-video-awards-2008-%E2%80%93-the-nominations-are-here/ |archive-date=17 February 2013 }} The music video was released to the UK iTunes Store on 26 January 2008, being the first release of "Mercy".{{cite web| url=https://music.apple.com/gb/music-video/mercy/1445894120| title=Mercy music video iTunes| date=January 2007| publisher=iTunes. Apple Inc.| access-date=19 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515112656/https://music.apple.com/gb/music-video/mercy/1445894120| archive-date=15 May 2020| url-status=live}} In reaction to the video, RealMusic noted that Duffy "does manage to stand atop those platforms very well and sing without falling off in [the] video, so top marks for that".{{cite web|url=http://uk.real.com/music/blog/2008/01/31/duffy-is-a-woman |title=Duffy Is A Woman! |author=Lydon, Clare |date=31 January 2008 |publisher=uk.Real.com |access-date=24 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201082752/http://uk.real.com/music/blog/2008/01/31/duffy-is-a-woman |archive-date=1 December 2008 }}

A second music video release was made for the United States market, directed by Adria Petty.{{cite web|url=http://adriapetty.com/musicvids.htm |title=Adria Petty > Music Videos |publisher=adriapetty.com |access-date=28 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017101653/http://adriapetty.com/musicvids.htm |archive-date=17 October 2008 }}{{cite web| url=http://www.promonews.tv/2008/04/03/production-news-who-shot-what-who%e2%80%99s-shooting-what-3/| title=PRODUCTION NEWS Who shot what, who's shooting what…| author=Knight, David| date=3 April 2009| work=PromoNews| publisher=promonews.tv| access-date=25 July 2009| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216235538/http://www.promonews.tv/2008/04/03/production-news-who-shot-what-who%E2%80%99s-shooting-what-3/| archive-date=16 February 2013}} It shows Duffy performing live on stage whilst people dance to the song. The US version was given a positive review by Nick Levine of Digital Spy, who wrote that "It's glossy, full of young, good-looking types and proudly features a drum with Duffy's name printed on its skin – hey, that's success for you."{{cite web| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a92881/duffy-shoots-a-new-video-for-america.html| title=Duffy shoots a new video for America| website=Digital Spy| author=Levine, Nick| date=2 April 2008| access-date=13 February 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609223103/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a92881/duffy-shoots-a-new-video-for-america.html| archive-date=9 June 2011| url-status=live}}

"Mercy" has been covered several times since its release. In 2008, American band OneRepublic recorded a version of the song which was first heard as a live cover on the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. Their version of the song later appeared, in live format, on the band's third single "Say (All I Need)".{{cite web| url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/onerepublic/tracks/mercy-duffy-cover-version-radio-one-live-lounge--187836402| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105170747/http://new.music.yahoo.com/onerepublic/tracks/mercy-duffy-cover-version-radio-one-live-lounge--187836402| url-status=dead| archive-date=5 January 2013| title=OneRepublic – Mercy (Duffy Cover Version: Radio One Live Lounge)| publisher=Yahoo!. Rhapsody Unlimited| access-date=24 July 2009 }} OneRepublic then recorded a studio version of "Mercy" as a bonus track for their second album Waking Up (note that the track is not to be confused with another OneRepublic song and single, also titled "Mercy" and released on their debut studio album, Dreaming Out Loud).

The Fratellis also recorded "Mercy", mixed with the Minder theme tune, specially for broadcast on the Live Lounge.{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/080509_fratellis.shtml| title=Live Lounge – The Fratellis| publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation| access-date=25 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122132037/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/080509_fratellis.shtml| archive-date=22 January 2009| url-status=live}} Duffy herself also recorded "Mercy" live for the Live Lounge. In the broadcast, Duffy also sang a cover of Hot Chip's single "Ready for the Floor".{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/080222_duffy.shtml| title=Live Lounge – Duffy| publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation| access-date=25 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211003328/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/080222_duffy.shtml| archive-date=11 February 2009| url-status=live}} British production team The Third Degree recorded a version, released 9 March 2009 on the Acid Jazz label as a 7-inch vinyl record. Singer John Mayer also covers the song as a slow blues in many of his live shows.

File:Glee Mercy.jpg

The cast of the US "musical comedy" television series Glee covered the song for the third episode of the first series, "Acafellas".{{cite web|url=http://www.fox.com/glee/music/season-1/episode-3.htm |title=Glee: Episode 3 – "Acafellas": Featured music |publisher=Fox Broadcasting Company |access-date=1 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922170000/http://www.fox.com/glee/music/season-1/episode-3.htm |archive-date=22 September 2009 }} The cover was called "leg-splits-over-shoulders exciting" by The Wall Street Journal.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/09/17/glee-season-1-episode-2-tv-recap/|title="Glee" Season 1 Episode 2: TV Recap|last=Flandez|first=Raymund|date=17 September 2009|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=17 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923155606/http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/09/17/glee-season-1-episode-2-tv-recap/|archive-date=23 September 2009|url-status=live}} The Glee cast's cover version was released as a single worldwide to promote the series, and reached numbers 94{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/ |title=The Official Charts Company – Glee Cast |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=7 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508182655/https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/ |archive-date=8 May 2019 |url-status=dead }} and 49{{cite web| url=http://www.irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Glee+Cast| title=Discography Glee Cast| publisher=Irish-Charts. Hung Medien| access-date=7 February 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011182059/http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Glee+Cast| archive-date=11 October 2010| url-status=live}} on the UK and Irish singles charts, respectively.

This song also appeared on the soundtrack of the video game FIFA 09.https://www.giantbomb.com/fifa-soccer-09/3030-21030/#google_vignette

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Digital download{{cite web| url=https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=273023519&id=273023518&s=143444| title="Mercy" — single (UK)| publisher=iTunes. Apple Inc.| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-date=1 October 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001120052/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/273023518?i=273023519| url-status=dead}}

1. "Mercy"

CD single{{cite web| url=http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;-1;-1;-1;-1&sku=746916| title=Duffy – Mercy – CD single| publisher=HMV| access-date=18 July 2009}}{{dead link|date=July 2020}}{{cite web| url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1335926|pure_url=yes}}| title=Mercy > Overview| publisher=Allmusic. Macrovision| access-date=18 July 2009 }}{{cite web| url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2751531| title=CD Maxi – Duffy (Mercy)| publisher=HMV.co.jp| access-date=18 July 2009| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501200818/http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2751531| archive-date=1 May 2009| url-status=live}}

1. "Mercy"
2. "Tomorrow" {{small|(Duffy, Eg White)}}

UK 7" vinyl single{{cite web|url=http://www.roughtrade.com/site/shop_detail.lasso?search_type=sku&sku=297014&anchor=1761782 |title=Rough Trade Stores – Mercy – Duffy |publisher=Rough Trade Records |access-date=19 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716054639/http://www.roughtrade.com/site/shop_detail.lasso?search_type=sku&sku=297014&anchor=1761782 |archive-date=16 July 2011 }}

1. "Mercy"
2. "Save It for Your Prayers" {{small|(Duffy, Sacha Skarbek)}}

Australian digital download{{cite web| url=https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=274731420&id=274731379&s=143460| title=Mercy – EP (Australia)| publisher=iTunes. Macrovision| access-date=18 July 2009| archive-date=1 October 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001120053/https://music.apple.com/au/album/274731379?i=274731420| url-status=dead}}

1. "Mercy"
2. "Tomorrow"
3. "Oh Boy"
4. "Save It for Your Prayers"

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UK B-side digital download{{cite web| url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/273998988?i=273998995| publisher=iTunes. Apple Inc.| title=Mercy(B-Sides) single (UK)| date=January 2008| access-date=18 July 2009 }}

1. "Tomorrow"
2. "Save It for Your Prayers"

Premium CD single{{cite web| url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1394662|pure_url=yes}}| title=Mercy (Premium) > Overview| publisher=Allmusic. Macrovision| access-date=18 July 2009}}

1. "Mercy"
2. "Tomorrow"
3. "Oh Boy"
4. "Save It for Your Prayers"
5. "Mercy" music video

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Duffy has expressed that it was "fascinating to see people picking up on it ["Mercy"], taking it and creating something from it for their genre". Duffy told Mojo that her favourite remix of the song is by the Roots, calling it "amazing" and saying it "blew [her] away".

• Duffy – vocals, writing
• Steve Booker – producer, mixer, recorder, programmer, guitar, bass, keyboard, writing

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2009}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|type=single|title=Mercy|artist=Duffy|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=16 May 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|nosales=true}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Duffy|title=Mercy|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2008|certyear=2024|access-date=14 June 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|title=Mercy|artist=Duffy|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|id=41}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=single|title=Mercy|artist=Duffy|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2018|access-date=27 April 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|title=Mercy|artist=Duffy|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|certref=}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=single|title=Mercy|artist=Duffy|award=Platinum|number=3|digital=true|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|certmonth=40|access-date=17 June 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2008|access-date=16 May 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|type=single|title=Mercy|artist=Duffy|award=Gold|relyear=2008|certyear=2009}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|title=Mercy|artist=Duffy|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2008|certyear=2023|id=9961-1577-1|access-date=3 November 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|title=Mercy|artist=Duffy|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|digital=true}}

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{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080220110420/http://www.iamduffy.com/ Official website]
• [http://www.mtv.com/lyrics/duffy_4/mercy/20685921/lyrics.jhtml "Mercy" lyrics]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} at MTV
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p1020428|label=Duffy}}
• {{YouTube|RSCnkhfSIjc|"Mercy"}}

{{Duffy}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mercy (Duffy Song)}}

Category:2008 songs

Category:2008 singles

Category:A&M Records singles

Category:Duffy (singer) songs

Category:Dutch Top 40 number-one singles

Category:European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles

Category:Irish Singles Chart number-one singles

Category:Mercury Records singles

Category:Number-one singles in Austria

Category:Number-one singles in Germany

Category:Number-one singles in Norway

Category:Number-one singles in Scotland

Category:Number-one singles in Switzerland

Category:Number-one singles in Turkey

Category:Record Report Pop Rock General number-one singles

Category:Songs written by Steve Booker (producer)

Category:UK singles chart number-one singles

Category:Articles containing video clips