Maria ~ Johnny Mathis ~ 1960 ~ (Lyrics & Facts)

"Maria" is a song from the Broadway musical West Side Story, sung by the lead character Tony. The music was written by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song was published in 1956.

"Maria" is sung by the male lead Tony when he learns the name of the girl he's fallen in love with is "Maria". The name "Maria" is spoken or sung in the song 27 times. It begins in B major and then modulates to E-flat major.

Johnny Mathis' version reached #78 on the US Billboard Top 100 in 1961.

Maria
The most beautiful sound I ever heard:
Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria.
All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word:
Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria.

Maria, I've just met a girl named Maria,
and suddenly the name will never be the same to me.
Maria! I've just kissed a girl named Maria.
And suddenly I've found how wonderful a sound can be.
Maria, say it loud and there's music playing.
Say it soft and it's almost like praying,
Maria, I'll never stop saying: "Maria!"

Maria, Maria,
Say it soft and it's almost like praying,
Maria, I'll never stop saying: "Maria!"

The most beautiful sound I've ever heard.
Mari.......a.


Music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
© 1956, 1957 Amberson Holdings LLC and Stephen Sondheim. Copyright renewed.
Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Company LLC, Publisher.