I Haven't Seen Mary in Years
Longing and Loss: A Heartfelt Tale in 'I Haven't Seen Mary in Years'
Lyrics
While walkin' one day in the country
While walking in the countryside
I saw a gatherin' crowd
Witnessed a gathering crowd
And as my footsteps drew me closer
As I approached, the crowd, my curiosity grew
I could smell the sweet fragrance of flowers
Caught the scent of sweet-smelling flowers
It looked like a family reunion
Seemed like a family reunion
Had my eyes not counted the tears
Despite appearances, tears were evident
And an old man sat by a graveside
An elderly man sat near a graveside
I haven't seen Mary in years
Expresses not having seen Mary for an extended period
Hold my hand and lead me
Request to be guided away from the emotional scene
Lead me away from here
Seeking comfort and solace
I just brought these flowers for Mary
Presenting flowers as a tribute to Mary
I haven't seen Mary in years
Reiterating the absence of Mary in the speaker's life
When Mary and I were first married
Recalling the early days of marriage with Mary
We had such plans for our child
Had plans for their child
But for no reason I started ramblin'
Admits to aimless wandering, causing disruption
Like the four winds, I just ran wild
Like the wind, ran wild without reason
If I could live my life over
Expresses regret and a desire for a different life
I'd bring my Mary such cheer
If given a chance, would bring happiness to Mary
Now she's gone where she'll never see me
Mary has passed away, and the speaker can't amend
And I haven't seen Mary in years
Reiterates the absence of Mary in the speaker's life
Hold my hand and lead me
Request for guidance and support
Lead me away from here
Seeking to be led away from the emotional pain
I just brought these flowers for Mary
Presenting flowers again as a gesture for Mary
I haven't seen Mary in years
Reiterates the absence of Mary in the speaker's life
And when the old man left the graveside
Describes the departure of the old man from the graveside
I walked along by his side
The speaker walks alongside the old man
I called out his name, but through all his shame
The speaker calls out the old man's name
His son, he could not recognize
The old man, in shame, cannot recognize his own son
Hold my hand and lead me
Request for guidance and support reiterated
Lead me away from here
Seeking to be led away from the emotional pain
Oh, how could I known it was Mama
Realization that the old man was the speaker's mother
I haven't seen Mama in years
Reiterates the absence of the mother in the speaker's life
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