Cat. #1567 (MFH #1031) - As sung by J.J. "Red" Curry, Fayetteville, Arkansas on August 18, 1975
VERSE 1
I was walkin' one day in th country
Spied a gathering there
An' as my footsteps grew closer
I could smell th fragrance of flowers
Seemed like a family reunion
Not counting th tears in their eyes
This ole man by th grave side,
O, I haven't seen Mary in years
CHORUS:
Hold my hand an' lead me
Lead me 'way from here
I just bought flowers for Mary
O, I haven't seen Mary in years
VERSE 2
When, Mary an' I were first married
We had planned for our child
For no reason I started drinkin'
An' goin' -- -- -- -- an' wild
VERSE 3
If I had my life to live over
I'd greet Mary with tears
But now she is gone an' don't need me
I haven't seen Mary in years
VERSE 4
When th ole man left th graveyard
I grasped along by his side
I called out his name, an' he showed no shame
--- --- -- ---- did let 'im ride
Hold my hand an' lead me
Lead me 'way from here
I just brought flowers for Mother
I haven't seen Mother in years
O, I haven't seen my Mother in years