Story Behind The Song

This is a very personal song for me. It's about my mother who was an independent and restless woman. A schizophrenic, she was sick most of her life but she was always a very proud person. Near the end of her life she had to live in an assisted living facility because of her failing health, though she never could understand why she couldn't leave. "I have to get out of here." She'd tell me. "I have to get a job." I wrote Mary, Mary shortly after a visit with her and soon after that she passed away.

Song Description

The song is about a hospitalized mentally ill woman looking back over her life and longing for freedom.

Lyrics

I will tell you a story of a gossamer wing,
of a well made bed and the boys in my head
I was a woman of means, I was a woman of pride
I had a burning desire and I had passion inside

Mary, Mary quite contrary, that?s what they say
Mary, Mary quite contrary, that?s what they say

But I am a wanderer when I just sit still
I?ve got kings and princes on my window sill
I keep that to myself and I don?t let on
They say my mind is weak, they say I?m too far gone

Mary, Mary quite contrary, that?s what they say
Mary, Mary quite contrary, that?s what they say

When my children breathe it?s my breath they take
When the rain turns the heat to a breeze I?ll awake
The days run away like melting ice
I faced my demons and I paid the price

So let me tell you a story of a beautiful girl
and the man who loved her in a whole other world
Maybe one of these days I?m gonna fly away
and I will write you a letter and here?s what I?ll say

Mary, Mary quite contrary, who is to say
Mary, Mary quite contrary, who is to say,
When there?s no one to say
Mary, Mary