Resurrection Mary

In 1935, I was living in paradise, I had a friend up in Cicero
We used to go out to the track, we'd knock a few whiskeys back
I'd lose my shirt and then I would lose my way home

I was driving my Stutz Black Hawk through Justice in the dark
When suddenly the blood froze in my veins
She was standing by the road in an incandescent glow
My heart stood still, my foot slammed on the brakes

She said, "Please, please would you dignify my wish?
I'm trying to get to Heaven, could you tell me where that is?"
On a wild Chicago night, with a wind howling white
I caught my first sign of Resurrection Mary

I was trembling like a leaf, I was scared beyond belief
After all my conscience ain't that clear
I used to work for Mickey Finn, I did the numbers for Big Jim
Perhaps my day of reckoning lies here

I said, "Please, please, I would dignify your wish
But when it comes to Heaven, I'm just a little bit amateurish
On a wild Chicago night, with a wind howling white
I cheated time with Resurrection Mary

And I felt tears form in my eyes for the first time, I felt something
Deep inside and the first time I saw angels high in the air
For the first time in my life, and I said, "Mary, go to the light
It's gonna be alright"

I got down on my knees, I said, "Sweet Mary, please dignify
These wishes before you run", will you tell him I've reformed?
Will you tell him I'm reborn? She closed her eyes
And then she spoke in tongues

I said, "Please, please, tell me what he said", she said
"You must die the day before the devil knows you're dead"
On a wild Chicago night with a wind howling white
I waved goodbye on a wild Chicago night