Lyrics
Oh, Mary was a maiden
Mary, the protagonist, was a young, unmarried woman.
When the birds began to sing.
The story begins when nature signals the arrival of spring with the singing of birds.
She was sweeter than the blooming rose
Mary's beauty is compared to a blooming rose, emphasizing her sweetness.
So early in the spring.
The mention of early spring suggests a time of freshness and new beginnings.
Her thoughts were gay and happy
Mary's thoughts are joyful and carefree.
And the morning gay and fine,
The morning is described as happy and fine, mirroring Mary's positive state of mind.
For her lover was a river boy
Mary's lover is introduced as a "river boy" from the river in the pines, setting the scene for the narrative.
From the river in the pines.
The river in the pines becomes a significant element, suggesting a connection between Mary and the natural environment.
Now Charlie, he got married
Charlie, Mary's lover, marries her in the spring, continuing the story.
To his Mary in the spring
This line reinforces the idea of a union between Charlie and Mary.
When the trees were budding early
The marriage occurs during the early stages of tree budding and bird singing, symbolizing growth and happiness.
And the birds began to sing.
The autumn setting suggests a change in the couple's fortunes.
But early in the autumn
As autumn progresses, there is a hint of tragedy or loss.
When the fruit is in the wine,
The mention of fruit in the wine symbolizes a period of ripening or maturation.
I'll return to you, my darling
Charlie promises to return to Mary, hinting at separation.
From the river in the pines.
The river in the pines becomes a source of longing and anticipation.
It was early in the morning
The narrative shifts to Wisconsin's early morning in a somber atmosphere.
In Wisconsin's dreary clime
The setting reflects a bleak and desolate climate in Wisconsin.
When he rode the fatal rapids
Charlie faces a fatal incident while navigating treacherous rapids.
For that last and fatal time.
The use of "last and fatal time" suggests a tragic event leading to Charlie's demise.
They found his body lying
Charlie's lifeless body is discovered on the rocky shore, confirming the tragedy.
On the rocky shore below
The silent water ripples and whispering cedars create a melancholic atmosphere.
Where the silent water ripples
Nature elements intensify the emotional impact of Charlie's death.
And the whispering cedars blow.
The whispering cedars symbolize nature's response to the tragedy.
Now every raft of lumber
Every raft of lumber coming down the Chippewa River holds a significant story.
That comes down the Chippewa,
The Chippewa River becomes a recurring motif in the narrative.
There's a lonely grave that's
A lonely grave along the river is a solemn reminder of tragedy.
Visited by drivers on their way
Drivers passing by pay respects to the grave, emphasizing its significance.
They plant wild flowers upon it
Wild flowers symbolize the untamed beauty of love and loss.
In the morning fair and fine.
The morning fair and fine contrasts with the underlying sorrow.
'Tis the grave of two young lovers
The grave is a final resting place for two young lovers from the river in the pines.
From the river in the pines
(Empty line)
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