Where Is Maria - Greg Brown

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?