Lyric discussion by butterflydreams 

Cover art for Mary lyrics by Sarah McLachlan

I can understand how it would sound that way, but why would she write a song about that? I just think the idea is a bit far off. I can't help but think that this song is in reference to the virgin mary, especially in the lines:

Take her hand she will lead you through the fire give you back hope and hope that you won't take too much respecting what is left she cradled us she held us in her arms unselfish in her suffering she could not understand that no one seemed to have the time to cherish what was given

And if it is indeed about the Virgin, the first line is expressing the struggle of the difficulty of bearing the son of God. I know this might sound nuts, but that's always what i've thought of this song.