Mary
Patty Griffin and Natalie Maines Lyrics
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You're covered in rain
You're covered in babies, you're covered in slashes
You're covered in wilderness, you're covered in stains
You cast aside the sheet, you cast aside the shroud
Of another man, who served the world proud
You greet another son, you lose another one
On some sunny day and always stay, Mary
Jesus says Mother I couldn't stay another day longer
Fly's right by me and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels are singin' his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Mary she moves behind me
She leaves her fingerprints everywhere
Every time the snow drifts, every time the sand shifts
Even when the night lifts, she's always there
Jesus said Mother I couldn't stay another day longer
Fly's right by me and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels are singin' his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Mary you're covered in roses, you're covered in ruin
you're covered in secrets
You're covered in treetops, you're covered in birds
who can sing a million songs without any words
You cast aside the sheets, you cast aside the shroud
of another man, who served the world proud
You greet another son, you lose another one
on some sunny day and always stay
Mary, Mary, Mary
In Patty Griffin's song "Mary," the singer is portrayed as a multifaceted and resilient figure, covered in various elements that symbolize life and death. Mary is described as covered in roses, ashes, rain, babies, slashes, wilderness, and stains, suggesting that her life is filled with pleasure and pain. The use of this imagery is symbolic, for instance, the roses and babies exemplify beauty and new beginnings, while ashes and slashes are unpleasant and represent death and scars. The song also depicts Mary as someone who has lost a son but remains steadfast in her faith, as depicted in the line "You greet another son, you lose another one, on some sunny day, and always stay, Mary." The song suggests that Mary is someone who bears life's challenges with grace, as seen in the line "Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place" when Jesus leaves.
The song's second verse refers to Jesus' crucifixion, where he tells Mary that he cannot stay any longer and disappears. Despite this, Mary remains steady and starts cleaning up the place. This indicates that after a loss or tragedy, life goes on and someone has to keep things running. Mary portrays strength, fortitude and devotion in the song. Mary’s strength is represented through her resilience in the face of tragedy, her unremitting devotion to her beliefs, and her ability to nurture her family and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Mary you're covered in roses, you're covered in ashes
You've been through both beautiful and terrible moments, representing the highs and lows of life
You're covered in rain
You've faced the storms of life, both literal and metaphorical
You're covered in babies, you're covered in slashes
You've experienced the joy of new life and the pain of loss and hurt
You're covered in wilderness, you're covered in stains
You've wandered through uncharted territories and suffered the consequences of life's messiness
You cast aside the sheet, you cast aside the shroud
You've let go of the past, of what no longer serves you
Of another man, who served the world proud
Letting go of the expectations of others, especially for women in a patriarchal society
You greet another son, you lose another one
The cycle of life and death, of joy and sorrow, continues
On some sunny day and always stay, Mary
Despite it all, you remain strong and resilient, shining bright through the good and the bad
Jesus says Mother I couldn't stay another day longer
Christ's sacrifice and departure from Earth, leaving Mary behind
Fly's right by me and leaves a kiss upon her face
Christ's love and parting gift to Mary
While the angels are singin' his praises in a blaze of glory
The celestial celebration of Christ's ascension
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Mary's earthly mission to continue Christ's work and uphold his legacy
Mary she moves behind me
Mary's humble, unassuming presence, supporting and guiding from behind the scenes
She leaves her fingerprints everywhere
Mary's indelible mark on the world, shaping and transforming it subtly and consistently
Every time the snow drifts, every time the sand shifts
Mary's steadfastness and constancy, through all the changing seasons and shifting sands of time
Even when the night lifts, she's always there
Mary's enduring presence, even in times of darkness and uncertainty
You're covered in ruins, you're covered in secrets
Mary's own struggles and challenges, including hidden pain and trauma
You're covered in treetops, you're covered in birds
The beauty and serenity of nature, which Mary finds solace in
Who can sing a million songs without any words
The purity and power of nature's music and message, which resonates deeply with Mary
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Patricia J. Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ronaldjaybelin520
I can’t imagine being more gratified having these two harmonizing around my storyline.
@lesliescott2362
I can't wait to see the Chicks in concert in July with Patty Griffin! It's going to be special.
@2323gypsy
For those of us who love Patty,, and relentlessly play her music in our homes, our cars, while we exercise, when we are hanging with friends, after our hearts get broken or just because we need to hear this music, it is no wonder the beautiful Natalie Maines could just get up there and throw down some gorgeous harmony. I know every breath Patty takes in every song, and would do the same if I got the chance! Love these two singer/song writers. As one myself, these two inspire me, totally~~~
@sylviafarese8837
One must remember that The Dixie Chicks did two of Patty’s songs: Let Him Fly and Truth #2.
@krd2331
@@sylviafarese8837 Three. They did Top of the World too.
@kjm2199
Just heard this for the first time today, I'm hooked!
@johnanthony9313
No woman singer touches me quite the way Patty does. I have a copy of the Pieta on my wall and Patty's words are the only ones which work for it. I haven't seen or heard anything more beautiful. "Mary" is the true manifestation of Heaven on Earth, mother of humankind...and noI am not a Roman Catholic.Thanks for the songs Patty God Bless You.
@pattygriffin3232
Wow
❤️
@larryc3860
this woman writes and performs some of the most beautiful music with meaningful lyrics ever performed and recorded
@NoK1dding
Chills and tears in my eyes every time I hear Patty sing this song. Natalie's harmonies were stunning. Love!