Take A Message To Mary
Teddy Thompson · Other Songs - Teddy Thompson
Who lost his love when he turned bad
Take a message to Mary
But don't tell her where I am
Take a message to Mary
But don't say I'm in a jam
You can tell her I had to see the world
Tell her that my ship set sail
You can say she better not wait for me
But don't tell her I'm in jail
Don't tell her I'm in jail
Take a message to Mary
But don't tell her what I've done
Please don't mention the stagecoach
And the shot from a careless gun
You can tell her I had to change my plans
And cancel out the wedding day
But please don't mention my lonely cell
Where I'm gonna pine away
Until my dying day
Take a message to Mary
But don't tell her all you know
My heart's sinking for Mary
Lord knows I miss her so
Just tell her I went to Timbuktu
Tell her I'm searching for gold
You can say she better find someone new
To cherish and to hold
Oh Lord this cell is cold
Mary, Mary
Oh Lord this cell is cold
Take A Message To Mary
Teddy Thompson's 'Take A Message To Mary' stands as a poignant example of his folk-rock sensibility, blending acoustic storytelling with a driving rhythm that captures the restless energy of the 1970s. The song reflects Thompson's signature ability to weave personal narrative into broader social commentary, a hallmark of his discography that often explored themes of displacement and the human condition. Recorded during a period when Thompson was refining his sound beyond traditional folk into a more expansive rock format, the track exemplifies his commitment to lyrical depth and melodic accessibility. It remains a staple in discussions of his catalog, representing the intersection of his New York roots and the evolving folk-rock movement of the era.