SONG INFORMATION

First recording and first release by Mel Tillis (1968)

LYRICS

While walking one day in the country I saw a gathering crowd
And as my footsteps threw me closer I smell a sweet fragrance of flowers
That looked like a family reunion and my eyes not counted the tears
And the no man said by the graveside, I haven’t seen Mary in years

Hold my hand and leave me, leave me away from here
I just brought these flowers for Mary, I haven’t seen Mary in years

When Mary and I were first married we had such plans for our child
But for no reason I started rambling and like the four winds I just ran wild
If I could just live my life over I would bring Mary such cheers
Now she’s gone where she’ll never need me, I haven’t seen Mary in years

Hold my hand and leave me, leave me away from here
I just brought these flowers for Mary, I haven’t seen Mary in years

Then the old man left the graveyard and I walked along by his side
I called out his name but through all his shame his son he did not recognize
Hold my hand and leave me, leave me away from here
How could I know it was mama, I haven’t seen mama in years

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