Lyrics:

(Roger McGuinn and Jacques Levy)
Sweet Mary I've got to be leavin'
Oh, I can't let you into my life
'Cause I know it would end off in grieving
And the last thing I need is a wife
When I met you I met you for pleasure
And the good times of runnin' around
Then you seemed to be so understanding
From the weight that's been draggin' me down
Then the good times are coming between us
Though you've helped me I'm burning my load
And I've never felt more like a lover
But I'm running right off of the road
Sweet Mary I've got to be leavin'
Oh, I can't let you into my life
'Cause I know it would end off in grieving
And the last thing I need is a wife
Oh, it's nothing you said or invited
And it's nothing you did that was wrong
And our love together was Heaven
And I've promised myself to be strong
Sweet Mary I've got to be leavin'
Oh, I can't let you into my life
'Cause I know it would end off in grieving
And the last thing I need is a wife
© Patian/Blackwood Music BMI
Byrds Sweet Mary