Mary
Ben Harper · Other Songs - Ben Harper
( Patty Griffin Cover )
Mary
You're covered in roses
You're covered in ashes
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 serves the world proud
You greet another son and you lose another one
On some sunny day and always you stay
Mary
Jesus said Mother I couldn't stay another day longer
He flies right by and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels were singin' his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Oh Mary
You move behind me
You leave you fingerprints everywhere
Everytime the snow drifts
Every way the sand shifts
Even when the night lifts, you're always there
You cast aside the sheet
You cast aside the shroud
Of another man, who serves the world proud
You greet another son and you lose another one
On some sunny day and always you stay
Mary
Jesus said Mother I couldn't stay another day longer
He flies right by and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels were singin' his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Oh Mary
You're covered in roses
You're covered in ruins
You're covered in secrets
Your'e covered in treetops
You're covered in birds
Who can sing a million songs without any words
You cast aside the sheet
You cast aside the shroud
Of another man, who serves the world proud
You greet another son and you lose another one
On some sunny day and always you stay
Always you stay
Mary
Na, na, na...
Oh Mary
Mary
You're covered in roses
You're covered in ashes
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 serves the world proud
You greet another son and you lose another one
On some sunny day and always you stay
Mary
Jesus said Mother I couldn't stay another day longer
He flies right by and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels were singin' his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Oh Mary
You move behind me
You leave you fingerprints everywhere
Everytime the snow drifts
Every way the sand shifts
Even when the night lifts, you're always there
You cast aside the sheet
You cast aside the shroud
Of another man, who serves the world proud
You greet another son and you lose another one
On some sunny day and always you stay
Mary
Jesus said Mother I couldn't stay another day longer
He flies right by and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels were singin' his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place
Oh Mary
You're covered in roses
You're covered in ruins
You're covered in secrets
Your'e covered in treetops
You're covered in birds
Who can sing a million songs without any words
You cast aside the sheet
You cast aside the shroud
Of another man, who serves the world proud
You greet another son and you lose another one
On some sunny day and always you stay
Always you stay
Mary
Na, na, na...
Oh Mary
Mary - Ben Harper
Ben Harper's "Mary" stands as a poignant exploration of faith and resilience, delivered through his signature acoustic guitar work and emotive vocals. The track exemplifies Harper's ability to weave intricate fingerstyle patterns with soulful storytelling, characteristic of his blend of Americana, blues, and gospel influences. Released within a period marked by his deep engagement with spiritual themes, the song reflects a commitment to crafting music that resonates with universal human experiences. Its enduring appeal lies in its raw emotional honesty and the masterful interplay between Harper's guitar technique and his vocal delivery, making it a standout piece in his discography.