I take a trip every evening
Strolling down memory lane
I'm walkin' again those familiar paths
Dreaming those dreams again.
And I can always see my sweetheart
Just as she used to be
Waiting for someone at the garden gate
And I know that someone is me.
Big brown eyes and pearly hair
And you'd tell that's Mary
Rosy cheeks and ruby lips
Can't you tell that's Mary.
Ofttimes in the evenings we'd go strolling
Hand in hand together beneath the pepper tree
And I can feel her hand in mine as I sit alone tonight
Dreaming of the times I spent with Mary.
Ofttimes in the evenings we'd go strolling
Hand in hand together beneath the pepper tree
And I can feel her hand in mine as I sit alone tonight
Dreaming of the times I spent with Mary.
Oh gee, wouldn't it be wonderful
To open up the doors of the past
And live again as yesterday
But you know no matter where I wander
No matter where I roam
There'll always be a place in my heart, boys
For a girl way back, for a girl that I used to call Mary...
"My Mary" is a beautiful country song written and performed by the legendary Merle Haggard. Released in 1970 as a single, this heartfelt ballad tells a nostalgic story of love and longing. With his signature twangy voice, Haggard takes us on a journey down memory lane, reminiscing about a lost love named Mary.
The song begins with Haggard describing how he takes a trip every evening, strolling down memory lane. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as he transports us back in time to a place where he and Mary used to be together. He sings about walking familiar paths and dreaming those dreams again, capturing the essence of longing for a love that has been lost.
As the song progresses, Haggard vividly paints a picture of Mary, his beloved sweetheart. He describes her big brown eyes, pearly hair, rosy cheeks, and ruby lips. Through these descriptions, we can imagine the beauty and charm of Mary, and understand why Haggard longs for her so deeply. The repetition of the line "Can't you tell that's Mary" emphasizes the significance of her presence in his memories and dreams.
The chorus of the song further enhances the theme of longing and nostalgia. Haggard sings about the times he and Mary would go strolling hand in hand beneath the pepper tree. This imagery creates a sense of romance and togetherness, highlighting the happiness they shared. The line "And I can feel her hand in mine as I sit alone tonight" conveys the bittersweet feeling of missing someone who is no longer there.
While "My Mary" may not have any direct scripture references, its theme of longing for a lost love can be related to various passages in the Bible. One such verse is Psalm 42:1, which says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." This verse illustrates the deep longing and desire that the psalmist has for God, similar to the longing Haggard expresses for Mary in the song.
Another verse that comes to mind is Song of Solomon 3:1, which says, "All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him." This verse speaks of searching for love and companionship, and the disappointment that comes when it is not found. Haggard's lyrics echo this sentiment as he yearns for the presence of Mary, knowing that she is no longer there waiting for him at the garden gate.
"My Mary" is a timeless country ballad that captures the universal experience of longing for a lost love. Through his heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery, Merle Haggard takes us on a journey of nostalgia and reminiscence. The song reminds us of the power of love and the profound impact it can have on our lives. Whether or not you have personally experienced such a loss, "My Mary" speaks to the universal emotions of love, longing, and the memories that remain etched in our hearts.
