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 |