Song Description

a song of Mary's thoughts upon the death of her son

Lyrics

Mary's Song (But He Said)

I wanted him to be a farmer
To take a civil trade and work the land
Plant the wheat and harvest the grain
And live a life that wasn't all in vain

But he said he had his Father's work to do
He said it was not I he'd listen to
He went his way through desert, seas, and stormy lands
Making his speeches with his motley band

I wanted him to be a father
To take a wife and carry on the chosen line
Sons and sons to bear the sons to keep the name
And live a life that wasn't all in vain

But he said his Father's sons were his sons too
He said his brothers' blood was sons' blood too
He spoke that way, then went and ate with thieves and whores
I wanted so much, but he wanted more

I never wanted to outlive my son
I didn't want to hear the angels speak to me
Taste tears and blood and drink with him the sour wine
And see him cast his pearls before the swine

But he said, "Father, forgive the things they do"
He said, "I give my spirit up to You"
He died the way that he had always known he would
I pray that he has done a little good