It was his career or mine

[kathleen_dailey]

I recced this song about six years ago, and I'm re-reccing it now in honour of the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene: "The Ballad of Mary Magdalen," by Cry Cry Cry (Dar Williams, lead vocal; Lucy Kaplansky; and Richard Shindell, music and lyrics).

This song tells the story as I've always envisioned it.

Watch on YouTube

The Ballad of Mary Magdalen
Richard Shindell

My name is Mary Magdalen, I come from Palestine
Please excuse these rags I'm in, I've fallen on hard times
But long ago I had my work when I was in my prime
I gave it up, and all for love
It was his career or mine

Jesus loved me, this I know, why on earth did I ever let him go
He was always faithful, he was always kind
But he walked off with this heart of mine

A love like this comes but once, this I do believe
And I'll not see his like again as I live and breathe
And I'm sorry if I might offend, but I will never see
How the tenderness I shared with him became a heresy

Jesus loved me, this I know, why on earth did I ever let him go
He was always faithful, he was always kind
But he walked off with this heart of mine

I remember nights we spent, whispering our creed
Our ritual, our sacrament, the stars our canopy
There beneath an olive tree we'd offer up our plea
God's creation, innocent
His arms surrounding me

Jesus loved me, this I know, why on earth did he ever have to go
He was always faithful, he was always kind
But he walked off with this heart of mine