While walkin' one day in the country I saw a gatherin' crowd And as my footsteps drew me closer I could smell the sweet fragrance of flowers It looked like a family reunion Had my eyes not counted the tears And an old man sat by a graveside I haven't seen Mary in years Hold my hand and lead me Lead 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 a child But for no reason I started ramblin' Like the four winds, I just ran wild If I could live my life over I'd bring my Mary such cheer Now she's gone where she'll never see me And I haven't seen Mary in years Hold my hand and lead me Lead me away from here I just brought these flowers for Mary I haven't seen Mary in years ♪ And when the old man left the graveside I hopped along by his side I called out his name but through all his shame His son, he could not recognize Hold my hand and lead me Lead me away from here Oh, how could I know it was mama I haven't seen mama in years