Greg Brown - Where Is Maria? Lyrics

There's a sweated-through shirt thrown over a chair
An old photo of Anna Magnani in her underwear
There's an old dog barking at a brand new moon
And a sign in every window sayin' "Be Back Soon"

But where is maria?

There's a young fellow rockin' in a thump thump car
And he's smug as a commentator on NPR
And our foolish government tries to save face
While the whole world struggles to become one bland place

But where is maria?

There's a millionaire singing about nothing at all
But he looks pretty good and he's knocking 'em dead down at the mall
There's a woman weary of the look in men's eyes
When they don't look she just turns away and sighs

But where is maria?

There's a dirty rain falling like the tears of shame
She's the only one I know who'd dance with me in such a rain

There's a guru snoozin' in a limousine
And a whole industry pumping blood into recycled scenes
There'll be one corporation selling one little box
It'll do what you want and tell you what you want and cost whatever you got

But where is maria?

There's a pile of letters from lovers friends
If your dream came true would you still want it then
A series of images on an empty screen
No conclusions just a kiss from Mr. In-Between

But where is maria?

There's a wheel of symbols and a wheel of spokes
Let's face it, friends, these are station wagons and we're our folks
The cafe's open the hotel's shut down
But lord these bad habits sure do stick around

But where is maria?

Behind the camera I saw her smile
I'd like to go back to that room and stay there for a while

There's a stranger's body with an old friend's face
There's a wild parade and a slow fade and a touch of grace
Can I visit your house? can I sleep in your bed?
Ah maria, if I rub your back will you rub my head?

But where is maria?