Mean Mary - Murder Creek

MURDER CREEK is from my upcoming album WOMAN CREATURE, available October 4th! Pre-order now: meanmary.com/w...
And yes, that's the real Murder Creek in the video. Most of the footage was shot near Murder Creek in Alabama.
MURDER CREEK (M. James)
Mary James - vocals, banjo, guitars
Brent “Tarka” Layman - upright bass
Larry Salzman - percussion
Mixed by Jake Hartsfield
I can’t close my eyes in the dark
I dream in black and bleak
I get chills when a rooster crows in the night
And I find myself at Murder Creek
I wade through the water to that fallen tree
That’s been down since the storm in July
I sit until the dark begins to fade
And I’m staring at a bloodstained sky
That old feral cat sits on the bank
His big eyes glowing bright
He watches me like he did before
Like he watched from the woods that night
I get this feeling he’s not the only one
Hiding out there in the trees
And I run from the cold, muddy water
Like I’m running from a swarm of bees
There are stories that should be forgotten
There are sorrows too terrible to speak
But as hard as I try, I can never forget
What happened at Murder Creek
I follow that old trail in the woods
That leads to the edge of town
Sadie’s in her backyard hanging clothes
Barefoot in her nightgown
Alabama’s full of rivalry
And we’ve got grudges as old as the dirt
But I never thought a man could sway us
Like a clothesline swinging a shirt
I never would have gone out that night
If it hadn’t been the way Sadie laughed
Now she’s looking at me and standing so still
Like she’s waiting to be photographed
We all were all just a little bit in love with him
And the dark daring things that he said
But he got to Sadie most of all
Like a demon inside her head
There are monsters we didn’t mean to make
Havoc we never meant to wreak
Be we watched it all play out like a movie
That night at Murder Creek
Sometimes you're forced to do things
Some people just wouldn't understand
I keep hearing those words, Sadie's words in my head
As I cut across Mr. Brown's land
Loreen is out in the pasture
Alone by a broken gate
There's a green-broke filly on the other side
Just whinnying and shifting its weight
I remember her in the water that night
Like a dam against the flood
Hair streamed down across her face
And mud stained her dress like blood
She never said much before
Now she doesn't talk at all
But one time I caught her crying
Inside Big Ben's empty stall
There are secrets that come with secrets
And mysteries that play hide and seek
And I can never understand or explain
What happened at Murder Creek
Travis is staring out a dark window
With a look of hate and shame
I wonder if that look is for someone
Or if he even knows who to blame
We were such a sleepy little dreamy town
Now we’re all nightmares and dread
We’ve got ghosts walking around like people
And people walking around like the dead
I nearly stumble into Becca Taylor
She looks down and scurries out of sight
She smelled of what she’d been baking
Just like she did that night
Danny is sitting on the front porch
Probably waiting for their worthless son
Who bathes in a river of whisky each night
Trying to wash away the things we’ve done
But there are nightmares you can’t un-dream
Words you can’t un-speak
Things you saw you can never unsee
Like what happened at Murder Creek
I run like I’m being chased
Back to my old, deserted house
When I notice the back door is open
And my heart is beating out of my blouse
There’s a footprint of Murder Creek mud
Right there on the kitchen floor
And on Momma’s old table is something
That hadn’t been there before
In this land of Iron and steel
There are three types of flesh and bone
Those that lead, those that follow
And those who want to be left alone
I’ve lived my whole life free
But I’m losing my lucky streak
And I’m thinking soon the whole world will know
What happened at Murder Creek
There are monsters in the dark now
There are futures we can never seek
And a night in the past that keeps moving forward
Like the waters of Murder Creek

[@mightymissk]

Mean Mary is a superb songwriter and an incredible musician. She had me transfixed by Iron Horse. Now I listen to everything she does. This ballad is riveting. What a storyteller! More people need to tell their friends and families about Mean Mary. Somebody this good should be recognized across America. One day she could have millions of fans.

[@pauldistefano8926]

Mean Mary I fell into the night... That gal. That gal can pick

[@HearturMind]

Living in PA surrounded by creeks and Trump signs this song runs chills down my spine.

[@Mazzy22]

I agree Mean Mary is a incredible musician. I 1st saw here playing a Banjo so much talent now she is playing acoustic guitar so great too. No reverb, no autotune, pure talent. She is so excellent

[@pauldistefano8926]

Tractor show is a great song.she did long cool Texan at age 6 & playing acoustic guitar.she plays mandolin violin also cotton eye Joe she rips a mean bow. Picking balm good song too. She reminds me of a female version of Hank Williams with ALL songs & talents. SHE IS 1 OF A KIND FOR SURE❤❤❤

[@adamchristoff4905]

Same here😅

[@patriciagiannattasio9180]

"We got grudges as old as the dirt." 💯

[@skodaz97]

How i know the world is upside down: Taylor Swift is a global phenomenon and Mean Mary isn't.

[@fabiopaolobarbieri2286]

Unforgettable Southern Gothic. We never find out what the mob did in Murder Creek, but that adds to rather than subtract from the power of the narrative.

[@sramz100]

Mary is truly unique and does things no one else can do. What a blessing she is to us all. ❤

[@suzibee9796]

That banjo is 🔥🪕

[@michaelmcclure7434]

It takes a special kind of singer to rivetingly tell a story in song - you are a master of it. Your lighter songs are great fun, but when you deal with things that are dark, you create masterpieces. I can not wait until the cd arrives and I can listen to this in the dark with the cat asleep on the desk and a glass of good bourbon near to my hand.

[@davidorourke9938]

I feel like I learned a lot about the people that were involved in what happened at Murder Creek ..... and I'm not sure what exactly happened at Murder Creek! Such an intriguing song; every revelation only leads to more questions! I love every Mean Mary song I've heard .... but these deep story songs of hers really are next level! So well done!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Just a guess, but I suspect the man Mary mentions briefly at the beginning of the tale was probably double and triple-timing the women in the song, they all found out, got very VERY PO'd and so they got together and killed him "...at Murder Creek." And now they have to live with the guilt. And there's no real living with it.

[@95path]

Mean Mary you are a truly outstanding artist. Talent like yours is rare, thank you for sharing it with us.

[@scottkossack5155]

The definition of Southern Gothic

[@134rwa]

It's so great to see the era of Singer/Song Writer is still alive and well in you, and the banjo is icing on the cake.

[@michaelgraves5188]

Thank you Mary! It’s awesome!🙏❤️😎👍

[@catherinelaurent5219]

Amazing, such a beautiful voice and song.

[@josephosheavideos3992]

I've written it before in this space how much I love a good song in a minor key; "Murder Creek" is an outstanding song in a minor key.

[@stevenpatten8384]

Wow! Awesome! I love all your stuff, but your Darker stuff especially ( Dark Woods, Sweet Jezebel etc.), so this has just become one of my new favorites!

[@elreyvd]

This is enormously powerful, and I will never understand why the world isn't listening to Mary, her talent, her passion, her incredible craftmanship in music and in lyrics. There are hard-hitting verses forged with poetic care, amazing metaphors, wordplay, a whole diorama of well-expressed feelings in this story. Being a fan of Mary is one of my better vices in music.

[@maggiekelly6212]

ya just gotta lay down for the right people...mary didn't, taylor...well, you figure it out

[@steveb7310]

Mind blown. Your voice and your artistry are gifts from God.

[@rosiemckinzie8608]

Authentic and genuine mega talent! Mary is a rare gem 💎

[@markhanson5100]

There are three types of flesh and bone...And those who want to be left alone. Wow! That verse says it all. This song is your best yet. Thank you Mary.❤😢🪕🎶💯🌹🌹🙏

[@kellywigemyr1338]

My goodness sake, You are one talented lady Mary!!

[@makethatlimedrop]

Even the first verse gives me chills. Such incredible vocal and instrumental storytelling!!

[@bluenetmarketing]

This one really puts a lump in your throat. Beautiful and "terrible" storytelling all at once, a very scary and emotional song reminiscent of Murder on the Orient Express. It needs to be made into a movie. Of course we all want to know what was left on the table, a knife, likely. This one is going to #1 on the country and many other charts. How many people can relate to the lyrics with the things they regret in their life? Plenty. All I can say is, don't live in the past or you'll never live in the present.

[@pauldistefano8926]

The friend I never had one of the best songs in my opinion sweet Jezebel and dark woods sweet fund Cotton Eye Joe great Renditions and blackberry blossom some of the older stuff blazing and I fell into the night the list is practically endless one of the most unique songwriters I've ever heard thank you Mary thank you very much for all your contributions to the music industry and to your fans bravo bravo encore encore❤❤❤❤❤ can't forget what about today praise the Lord for mean Mary James

[@carlawoolbright7909]

It's INCREDIBLE how much TALENT GOD gave YOU, Mary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CygnusFour]

Ain't nothing I don't love about this woman. So many of her songs and videos are favorites of mine. Her voice, what her voice puts into those songs, reaches in and touches my soul and I'm left emotionally touched.

[@larryjones8777]

If I only had 1/1000 of her talent I would smile and sing every day of my life. What a great musical inspiration

[@heavenleigh111]

I don't think anyone could have sang it better. Enchanting!

[@holyMcGuinness]

What a blessing she is to us all. Authentic and genuine mega talent! Mary is a rare gem, Thank you Mary! It’s awesome!

[@nedearley3352]

I just listened for the first time. I am speechless! Killer lyrics! (Uh, literally, I think...) I never thought you could do better than Sweet Jezebel for snaring us with words and then pulling us in... I think you just did!!! Long time Mean Mary fan here, and I have the tshirts to prove it!!!!

[@jasonzelda]

4:47 Mystic Banjo 🪕 Loved the video Ms.Mary You are AMAZING! 😎😎

[@georgegilbert7347]

WOW! listening to this song reminds me of the first time I heard "Ode to Billy Joe" many years ago. A new mystery for folks to wonder about for decades

[@marty01957]

Nice video, Mary! Beautiful song!

[@davidmurray9193]

Pure talent and beautiful green eye to boot, sweet

[@artillerybuff2000]

WOW! WOW! WOW! I absolutely love everything about this awesome song! I am very moved, thank you sooooo much!!!

[@A_Retired_MSgt]

I mainly listen to metal, but I really like your music. This song is another example of how great music transcends genre. Ty.

[@BJSaterbak]

Simply Wonderful!!!

[@plantlord3266]

stunning an spine chilling-what a story teller and musician! a true gem-she needs to be heard more on radio/mainstream...continued success and health Ms. Mary...

[@carolinabridges9739]

Superb story teller! Love your deep, throaty voice & musical style. Mary...you just get better at every turn! Thank you for sharing!😍

[@tabithabasye2440]

Wow, my wife came in from the other room to hear this. Subscribed!

[@sethwinters2112]

Outstanding as always! Anxiously waiting for the arrival of the new album. 😊

[@kucftbueouy9902]

I love your music.

[@maelgrym5384]

Dang it, Mary! I had to immediately add this to my "Not While Driving" playlist along with the likes of Blazing and Dark Woods. According to the people behind me on the highway, I have way too much fun tapping my toes and stomping my feet when listening to this. Looking forward to seeing this one live though!

[@suemacias667]

Love your story songs! 🫣🫣😊

[@LouaanSy]

It's the first time I listened to this great singer🎶💫, and she's very very incredible🌹🍀. I ❤it🫶. It's a big discovery.🎁♥️ Thanks so much ❤️🍀🌹🎶🌿

[@dannpd1955]

Ive been a fan since I saw her sing Long Tall Texan when she was six. Raw talent for sure.

[@chriskirschten203]

Incredible song from an amazing artist.

[@bonniemartin4093]

Oh Mary you are the best story teller 😮 love your music 🎶 really love this one 👏🔥♥️♥️

[@waltobringer2928]

Perfection... as always

[@67wing]

Wow Mary, you've never looked better. You're like a fine wine. This song was fantastic. Your writing is really maturing

[@richardtolson9769]

WOW!!! I am an instant fan...at 69. Your flawless performance at 6 years old singing "Long Tall Texan" totally drew me in. I absolutely loved it. I don't know why, but it brought tears to my eyes...perhaps just the sheer joy of being thoroughly entertained. Every video of yours I have watched now has shown me your a tremendous talent. Thank you...

[@odinfireful]

love this, Mary is a national treasure

[@ElisabethÅkerbergNilsson]

You are SOOOOO good! Epic storytelling!! Love it! ❤❤❤

[@martaminder2716]

Fantastic story telling, your musicianship and voice are a pure joy. Thank you.

[@cyrilfalconbridge]

you are truly one of the greatest musicians of all time.Satchmo,The King,.Jimi.Memphis Minnie.Prince.Mean Mary.

[@TrudiHina-n9l]

I Absolutely Love This Song‼️❤️‍🔥🥰❤️‍🔥💯 Stay Humbly Blessed and True To Your Natural Talent‼️💖✨😇🙏💯

[@cheshirebowman4465]

Beautiful track from a beautiful lady. Best track she ever did.

[@sammynorge]

I enjoy this type of story that judiciously leaves out key details forcing one's mind to be creative. Early B&W TV was good at that.

[@thedevilsblackheart]

Glad this randomly came up in my suggestions. Great songwriting and story to boot. Subscribed after about 30 seconds in.

[@PeterJDeVault]

Heck yes, great banjo entrance! And what a murder epic. Well done, Mary!

[@iainmelville9411]

Wow. Too cool for school. Brilliant stuff.👍,😊,❤.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

That’s just the perfect song! It’s a beautifully written ballad with several memorable lines. Then there’s your lovely, deep, soulful voice and that screaming hot banjo playing. Just perfect…..❤️🐝🤗

[@cedricbadger1348]

Well said "... several memorable lines..." A cleverly thought out song

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@cedricbadger1348 Thank you❤️🐝🤗

[@chrischiampo7647]

Mary Love This Song and Video 😀❤️❤️❤️😊

[@marvin-the-martian5194]

The most powerful song I have this century--awesome.

[@StanEngland]

Mary has several 'most powerful' songs.

[@larryschmid3834]

An original story song. My favorite material. I got about a hundred fit this description. Took about 30 years. Great job. Your vocal dynamics are perfect. Kool video. Keep em coming girl. Fight this world with that talent you got and break through the wall head on. May all the luck you need come your way.

[@jennynielsen5480]

Amazing Mary! Love from Sweden ❤️

[@jasoncross3513]

There is so much of this song I love so thanks for over 8 minutes of amazing musicality, can’t wait to hear more .love from the uk 🇬🇧

[@davekramer4266]

Mary, another great Song and Video.🌹😘

[@rexoravec]

~ What truly haunts a person is not monsters or ghosts, but one’s own conscience. ~ This video of “Murder Creek” is great writing and storytelling from Mean Mary! Michelangelo used a brush and color palette, Hemingway used a typewriter, and Mean Mary creates lyrics that paint a picture in one’s mind as realistic as any Renaissance Master, or great novelist can. Add to that her voice and banjo playing, and one’s senses are heighten. Altogether, she paints a picture in the listener’s mind, which they can feel all the way to their bones.

[@edrachel6251]

My feet hurt just watching you walk in those shoes.

[@TheThemattyo1]

Her songs tell the story of her musical odyssey and journey-triumphs through her life and she brings them to us. Thank you marry for sharing with us.... M.Gomes -- Spring valley california 🇺🇸

[@tombrienza4534]

You do these types of songs so well

[@PeterJDeVault]

Heck yeah, great banjo entrance! Awesome murder epic. Thanks, Mary!

[@starysborn9866]

Yes le rythme, top la voix. A suivre absolument c'est du talent pur

[@fredlenz4743]

I've waited for another great storyteller to emerge since the late Harry Chapin and have found a worthy successor in Mean Mary.

[@soulsearching731]

I also was hooked once I heard Iron Horse and Seeet Jezebele. Murder Creek, another one of your many masterpieces. I love your style!

[@tracynorris5012]

Absolutely Awesome Mary. I'm now a fan. This story could be in my neck of the woods. Amazing vocals and pickin'. Massive talent. ❤❤❤

[@channingbeacham2493]

Beauty and Ballad. Thank you for this perfection.

[@hammer-fn7gm]

Got my Woman Creature CD on the mail today. Thanks Mary.

[@michaeljoncour4903]

just discovered this girl ,remarkable and really really good, so glad i found her or she found me . shared her with my sister also impressed .

[@eel908]

that's bad ass music she deserves more of what life can offer she is a great talented person

[@shadowshadow2485]

Wow, fantastic , wonderful song , thank you , 70 year old fan , thanks , moe

[@denebfinland9400]

Oh, that's hurt, but wonderful!

[@glennkemp7450]

A lot of talent went into that song and video, great lyrics and playing!

[@timruddon7914]

Great song and voice. Have recently started to listen to your discography. Thanks for your music

[@robinjones828]

Thank you Miss Mary!

[@jondoe8536]

Wow. Wow. Wow. I think everyone is in love with your music. You are always so amazing.

[@cindywilliams4960]

What a talent you have. Just a beautiful song so deep. Glad I found you❣️

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

You've out done yourself with this one Mary.Bravo!

[@thegniffen4645]

My name is Travis, my wife and I live about 5 miles from Murder Creek. This song is fantastic, Mary. Glad I found your music! Now I have some listening to do. I'm a picker too. Love your style, maybe I'll see ya round a pickin somewhere?

[@Roadglide08]

First time I’ve heard your music. I’m now a fan and I thank the algorithm for bringing me here!

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

Great song! Love hearing something new!

[@Where_is_Waldo]

Just all altogether excellent musician. I can't say there's even one aspect of creating music she doesn't accel at. Writing lyrics, writing music, singing and playing anything with strings. I'm always down for a new banjo solo.

[@markmaupin793]

I’m speechless WOW⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Eryl-ez2ct]

WowW.. Mary James..🍒 ❤ez..😘 X Pembrokeshire wales uk Can't wait to watch, and listen to ALL YOUR work.!!! ❤u

[@C3Cooper]

One of Mary's finest!

[@michaellyons949]

Mean Mary .........ty ......

[@mikebarnett6218]

Becky Taylor. A little Easter egg for our ears. Man, that was terrific.

[@pioneercynthia1]

Goddam, your chord progressions are amazing. And that breakdown interlude? Fantastic.

[@richardgiem6404]

Love love this song

[@swampjunior6585]

Awesome song. Me and my wife been over Murder Creek near Monroeville Alabama bunches of times always thinking this would be a subject for a horror movie. Must say your tale is much more entertaining!

[@josephburkhardt9648]

Every time I watch and l listen to you I'm blown away.