A Woman’s Voice

Pam’s post on Communitas today reminded me of this song by Patty Griffin, which I recently heard and which captivated me immediately. It’s not a Christmas song, not even a “Christian” song–but the very human depiction of Mary in this song speaks volumes to me about the struggles and sacrifices of so many women, and does so in ways that words alone cannot.

“Mary” by Patty Griffin

Mary, you’re covered in roses
You’re covered in ashes, you’re covered in rain
You’re covered in babies, covered in slashes
Covered in wilderness, covered in stains

You cast aside the sheets, you cast aside the shroud
Of another man who served the world proud
You greet another son, you lose another one
On some sunny day and always you stay
Mary

Jesus said, “Mother I couldn’t stay another day longer…”
He flies right by and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels are singing his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place

Oh Mary, she moves behind me
She leaves her fingerprints everywhere
Everytime the snow drifts, every way the sand shifts
Even when the night lifts, she’s always there

Jesus said, “Mother I couldn’t stay another day longer…”
He flies right by and leaves a kiss upon her face
While the angels are singing his praises in a blaze of glory
Mary stays behind and starts cleaning up the place

Mary, you’re covered in roses
You’re covered in ruins, you’re covered in secrets
You’re covered in treetops, covered in birds
Who can sing a million songs without any words
You cast aside the sheets, you cast aside the shroud
Of another man who served the world proud
You greet another son, you lose another one
On some sunny day and always you stay
Mary