Blanket me sweet nurse
And keep me from burnin'
I must get back
To the woods dear girls
I must get back to the woods

In the bloody elevator rising for their first cup of tea
Of the day
When does sky turn into space
And air into wind?

The only things
I really need
Is water, a gun, and rabbits

Let me rest
My fevered cheek
Upon your warm sweet bellies

In the bloody elevator going to the bright theater now
Come on boys
Please let me taste the clean dirt in my lungs
And moss on my back

Overall Meaning

The song "Saint Mary" by Sparklehorse paints a vivid picture of a person who is seeking refuge from the outside world. The first verse, "Blanket me sweet nurse, and keep me from burnin', I must get back to the woods dear girls," depicts someone who is seeking comfort, safety, and healing. They want to escape the chaos of the world and find solace in nature. The repeated line, "I must get back to the woods," reinforces this idea of wanting to return to a simpler, quieter life. The person is seeking a return to a time when life was less complicated and more natural.

The second verse, "In the bloody elevator rising for their first cup of tea of the day, when does sky turn into space and air into wind?" paints a picture of someone who is disoriented and confused. They are disconnected from reality and are struggling to differentiate between what is real and what is not. The following line, "The only things I really need is water, a gun, and rabbits," suggests that the person is preparing for survival. They want to be self-sufficient and self-reliant, stripping away all the unnecessary things in life and focusing on what is truly essential.

The final verse, "Let me rest my fevered cheek upon your warm sweet bellies, in the bloody elevator going to the bright theater now, come on boys, please let me taste the clean dirt in my lungs, and moss on my back," portrays someone who is looking for physical and emotional comfort. They want to be held and protected while also seeking a connection to nature. Ultimately, "Saint Mary" is a song about seeking refuge and safety in a world that can be overwhelming and confusing.

Line by Line Meaning

Blanket me sweet nurse
Request to be protected and comforted like a child by the nurse figure

And keep me from burnin'
To be saved from emotional or physical pain

I must get back
The desire to return to nature

To the woods dear girls
Wishing to return to the peaceful environment of nature

I must get back to the woods
Strong urge to leave the city and return to a simpler way of life

In the bloody elevator rising for their first cup of tea
Imagery of everyday life, people getting ready for their day

Of the day
Further emphasis on the idea that it is a normal day

When does sky turn into space
Questioning the transition or boundary between earth and sky

And air into wind?
Questioning the transformation of air into wind and its effects

The only things
The bare minimum necessities

I really need
What's essential for survival or peace of mind