Story Behind The Song
Notorious as The Devil's Highway, US Route 491 in New Mexico runs from Shiprock at the North end to Gallup at the South end, about 93 miles.
Part of the Historic Route 66, this stretch was legitimately designated Route 666 until 2003 when it was changed, in part because of signage theft.
It's haunted and the name change didn't help. Ghostly visitations have been reported numerous times including motorists being charged at by a perfectly preserved 1930s-era black Packard Sedan.
Locals know not to drive The Devil's Highway at night and certainly not on the night of the full moon.
Song Description
A motorist reflects on his encounter with a mysterious hitchhiker.
| Song Length |
4:38 |
Genre |
Country - Alternative, Country - General |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant |
Subject |
Ghosts, General |
| Similar Artists |
Chris Rea |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Resurrection Mary
Southbound on four ninety one by the light of a full moon
Traffic light both North and South, I'd be in Gallup soon
Surprised to a see a pretty girl on the side of this lonely road
I stopped to ask if she wanted a ride and to get out of the cold
She wore a simple cotton dress, a cameo at her throat
Despite the cold she didn't wear a hat or gloves or coat.
I offered her my woolen scarf, she wrapped it 'round her head
"I'm just a few miles down the road" were the only words she said.
Oh Mary Mary Mary, you're too beautiful by far
This ugly world was never meant for one as beautiful as you are
The moonlight on your flaxen hair, your eyes of cobalt blue
Resurrection Mary, what became of you?
A few miles North of Yah Ta Hey she gestured to slow down
I pulled over right away there was not a house around
She nodded me a thank you and stepped out of the door
And something told me just to go, and not say any more
Oh Mary Mary Mary, you're too beautiful by far
This ugly world was never meant for one as beautiful as you are
The moonlight on your flaxen hair, your eyes of cobalt blue
Resurrection Mary, what became of you?
By the time I made that little town I was troubled in my mind
I turned the car back around to see what I could find
Resurrection Graveyard stood on the East side of the road
There I would find my woolen scarf, draped on her tombstone
Oh Mary Mary Mary, you're too beautiful by far
This ugly world was never meant for one as beautiful as you are
The moonlight on your flaxen hair, your eyes of cobalt blue
Resurrection Mary, what became of you?
What became of you?
What became of you?