(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