Take a
message to Mary,
but don't tell her where I am
Take a message to Mary,
but don't say I'm in a jam
Just tell her I've gone to see the world,
or tell her that my ship's at sail
But please don't mention my loneliness
No, don't tell her I'm in jail
No, don't tell her I'm in jail
Take a message to Maddie
But don't tell her what I've done
Please don't mention the stagecoach,
or the shot from a careless gun.
Just tell her I had to change my plans,
and cancel out the wedding day.
But please don't mention my lonely self
Where I'm gonna find a way
Until my dying day
Take a message to Mary,
but don't tell her all you know.
My heart's aching for Mary,
Lord knows I miss her so.
Just tell her I've gone to Timbuktu,
or tell her that I'm searching for gold
You can tell her she'd better find someone
new to cherish and to hold
Oh Lord, this cell is cold