There in my memory
Just on periphery
Loose knit like gauze on the center line
The broke down cobblestone drive
The Black Mariah


For when it comes for you
Nothing be done for you
Write down your name on the bottom line
Shut up your mouth, son
Here's the Black Mariah


The Black Mariah comes for us all
Can't you hear their boots in the hall
Answer your name when they call
The Black Mariah

The Black Mariah


Where are the neighbors
The bootblacking laborers
Windows are dark and the shutters drawn
The only lone souls who roam
We're all pariahs

Turn down your lantern light
Set your affairs to
Put up the prayers that you on
'Cause everyone is an enemy
Come the Black Mariah


The Black Mariah comes for us all
Line them up with their backs to the wall
It's gone by the time they all fall
The Black Mariah

The Black Mariah


The Black Mariah comes for us all
Can't you hear their boots in the hall
Answer your name when they call
The Black Mariah

The Black Mariah


There in my memory
Just on periphery
Loose knit like gauze on the center line
The broke down cobblestone drive
The Black Mariah