Mary Elizabeth where’d you go and die? You know your Ma and Pa been crying? Well, they found your torn dress. Does your body lie in the rushes down by the river? Among the rocks way up high? Well, Mary why’d you hold a grudge and then go out walking and not tell your mama just where you were going? If you left with another, won’t you please tell somebody? ‘Cause they think I killed you Mary. They think I killed you, my love. Last night my darling I slept in the trees. I guess I was drinking again.
Where I slept last night Mary no one could see, and they don’t believe me. I think they’re gonna hang me. Well, Mary why’d you hold a grudge and then go out walking and not tell your mama just where you were going? If you love another, won’t you please tell somebody? ‘Cause they think I killed you Mary. Yeah, they don’t believe me my love. Mary I am standing here with a rope around my neck, and all I can think of is you. I think I’ve seen your ghost walk the hills in my dreams, but not close enough to talk to. Not close enough to touch you. My love I am shaking, but I stand ‘til I die. Your mama’s watching me with cold hate in her eyes, and I’d pray some more, but they want last requests. “If she’s alive tell Mary I love her… If she’s not well, I’ll tell her myself.”
credits
from J. Chris Smith and Belfaster,
released October 19, 2022
Chris – Vox
Scott Phillips – Piano
John Teer - Violin
Mixed by Chris at Shot Who? Shack