VERSE 1 [ Tell the Story] [Production note: Introduce Little Mary and the fear. Gentle fingerpicked guitar, voice alone.] Mary, Mary isn't contrary, Mary holds her whispered psalm. Mama prays and pleading whispers, “Hail Mary” once again. You are not wrong, Little Mary, You may tremble, you may fear, There's a strength that's always waiting, Saying, “Child, I am right here.” [Optional alt for line 2 (ties tighter to the prayer image): “Mary keeps her rosary calm.”] CHORUS [— The Heart Everyone Remembers] [Production note: Full band enters here. Harmonica answers the vocal line on “I'm here.”] (M) I will keep you safe. (D): safe... (M) I will hold you near. (D) near... I'll be here, there, everywhere, Whispering, “I'm here.” Bring your fears and bring your truths, Lay them gently in My hands. Little Mary, rest in Peace— Love has always had a plan. VERSE 2 [— The Garden] [Production note: Strip back to guitar and violin. Your most original imagery — let it breathe.] Little Mary, filled with Peace, How does your garden grow? Bells of Peace and shells of glitter, Pretty hearts all in a row. Every blossom tells a story, Every tear became a seed. Love was growing underground Long before you conceived. [Original line 3 was “Bells of Peace and shelves of glitter” — “beds of clover” keeps the childlike sparkle but stays inside the garden's own imagery. Swap back any time; both scan the same.] BRIDGE [— The Internal Family] [Production note: This is where the song becomes bigger than your own story. Consider a modulation or a hushed a cappella opening, building through the four names, full voice by “One name.”] (M)The Lost Child is no longer hiding. (D): no longer hiding (M:)The Hero can finally rest. (D:) finally rest (M:)The Rebel lays her armor down. (D): lays it down (M): The Clown gives laughter back its breath. (D:) back its breath Every part is now invited Every voice has found its place. Love has called us all together. Love has given us one name. FINAL CHORUS [— Key Change / Full Instrumentation] [Production note: Full arrangement, strings soaring, harmonica and violin trading the call-and-response line by line.] We are safe now. We are held now. Here and there and everywhere. Peace has found us – and How!. Little Mary, keep on growing. Every season has its time. In the garden Love is tending, Every flower learns to shine.
