06 Maria's Bed
Bruce Springsteen Lyrics


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Been on a barbed wire highway forty days and nights
I ain't complain'n that's my job and it suits me right
I got a sweet soul fever rushin' around my head
I'm gonna sleep tonight in Maria's bed

Got on a dead man's suit and smilin' skull ring
Lucky graveyard boots and a song to sing
I keep my heart in my work, my troubles in my head
And I keep my soul in Maria's bed

I been up on sugar mountain, 'cross the sweet blue sea
I walked the valley of love and tears and mystery
I got run out'a luck and gave myself up for dead
Then I drank the cool clear waters from Maria's bed

She give me candy stick kisses 'neath a wolf dog moon
One sweet breath and she'll take you, mister, to the upper room

I was burned by the angels, sold wings of lead
Then I fell in the roses and sweet salvation of Maria's bed

I been out in the desert, doin' my time
Siftin' through the dust for fools gold, lookin' for a sign
Holy man said, "Hold on, brother, there's a light up ahead."
Ain't nothin' like the light that shines on me in Maria's bed





Well I take my blessings at the river head
I'm living in the light of Maria's bed

Overall Meaning

In Bruce Springsteen's song "Maria's Bed," the singer describes his life on the road, a job that he seems to struggle with but ultimately accepts as his own. He wears the clothes of the dead, sings songs of love and heartbreak, and keeps his troubles in his head. But in the midst of this weariness, the singer finds solace and rest in Maria's bed. He has been all over the world, searching for something to fill the void in his heart, but it is only in Maria's presence that he feels truly alive. She offers him sweet kisses and the promise of salvation, a new beginning. Ultimately, he finds his blessings in her embrace.


The lyrics paint a picture of a lonely and weary traveler, but one who finds comfort in the simple act of being close to someone he loves. The references to death and the afterlife suggest that the singer has faced his own mortality, perhaps through his experiences on the road. However, Maria's love gives him a reason to live, and he cherishes her above all else. The song's refrain, "I'm living in the light of Maria's bed," conveys the sense that this love has given the singer a new perspective on life, and that he now sees the world in a different, more hopeful way.


Line by Line Meaning

Been on a barbed wire highway forty days and nights
I have been traveling through a difficult and dangerous path for a long time.


I ain't complain'n that's my job and it suits me right
I don't complain because this is what I do and I find it fitting for me.


I got a sweet soul fever rushin' around my head
I have an intense passion and desire overwhelming my thoughts and feelings.


I'm gonna sleep tonight in Maria's bed
I plan on finding comfort and rest in Maria's bed.


Got on a dead man's suit and smilin' skull ring
I am wearing clothes and accessories that were owned by someone who is now dead.


Lucky graveyard boots and a song to sing
I have shoes that were probably worn by someone buried in a graveyard and I still have a reason to be joyful.


I keep my heart in my work, my troubles in my head
I focus on my job with passion but I carry my problems within me.


And I keep my soul in Maria's bed
I find refuge and solace in Maria's bed where my soul feels at peace.


I been up on sugar mountain, 'cross the sweet blue sea
I have traveled to wonderful and far-off places.


I walked the valley of love and tears and mystery
I have experienced the complexities of love, the emotional turmoil of loss, and the inexplicable nature of life.


I got run out'a luck and gave myself up for dead
I had some bad luck and thought my life was over.


Then I drank the cool clear waters from Maria's bed
But then I found comfort and refreshment in Maria's embrace.


She give me candy stick kisses 'neath a wolf dog moon
Maria gives me sweet and passionate kisses under the light of the full moon.


One sweet breath and she'll take you, mister, to the upper room
Her kiss can bring you to a heavenly state of mind.


I was burned by the angels, sold wings of lead
I was deceived and left hurt by those I trusted.


Then I fell in the roses and sweet salvation of Maria's bed
But then I found salvation in Maria's bed, surrounded by the sweet scent of roses.


I been out in the desert, doin' my time
I have been through a tough time, alone and isolated.


Siftin' through the dust for fools gold, lookin' for a sign
I've been searching for something valuable in a barren and hopeless place, looking for a sign of hope.


Holy man said, "Hold on, brother, there's a light up ahead."
Someone told me to keep going because there is a way out of the darkness.


Ain't nothin' like the light that shines on me in Maria's bed
But I know that the best light in my life comes from Maria's love and comfort.


Well I take my blessings at the river head
I thank my blessings and praise my good fortune.


I'm living in the light of Maria's bed
I have found a life of happiness and love in Maria's bed.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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