Maria
Evadne Baker;Anna Lee;Portia Nelson;Marni Nixon Lyrics
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Her dress has got a tear
She waltzes on her way to mass
And whistles on the stair
And underneath her wimple she has curlers in her hair
I even heard her singing in the abbey
She's always late for chapel but her penitence is real
I hate to have to say it but I very firmly feel
Maria's not an asset to the abbey
I'd like to say a word in her behalf
Maria makes me laugh
How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet, a will o-the wisp, a clown
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say?
How do you keep a wave upon the sand?
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold our moonbeam in your hand?
When I'm with her I'm confused
out of focus and bermused
And I never know exactly where I am
Unpredictable as wheather
She's as flighty as a feather
She's a darling, she's a demon, she's a lamb
She'd outpester any pest
Drive a hornet from its nest
She can throw a whirling dervish out of whirl
She is gentle, she is wild
She's a riddle, she's a child
She's a headache, she's and angel
She's a girl
How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold our moonbeam in your hand?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet, a will o-the wisp, a clown
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say?
How do you keep a wave upon the sand?
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold our moonbeam in your hand?
"Maria" is a song from the acclaimed musical "The Sound of Music." These particular lyrics shed light on one of the main characters, Maria, who is portrayed as a free-spirited and unconventional nun-in-training. The first verse describes her playful nature, climbing trees, tearing her dress, and even singing in the abbey. It is evident that Maria doesn't conform to the strict rules and traditions of the abbey.
The second verse highlights Maria's habit of always being late, except when it comes to meals. The lyrics imply that while she may not be an ideal member of the abbey, she brings joy and laughter to those around her. The lines express a sentiment of both frustration and affection towards Maria.
The chorus poses a series of rhetorical questions, addressing the dilemma of understanding and managing someone like Maria. The questions reflect the confusion and bewilderment her presence brings, comparing her to intangible things like a cloud, a moonbeam, and a flibbertijibbet (a term meaning a frivolous or flighty person). It suggests that she is elusive, hard to grasp, and hard to categorize.
The final verse further elaborates on Maria's contradictory nature. She possesses both gentle and wild characteristics, making her difficult to figure out. She is described as a riddle and a child, simultaneously causing headaches and bringing joy. The song concludes by reiterating the challenges of managing and understanding Maria.
Overall, "Maria" captures the complexity and charm of the character, showcasing her unique qualities and the impact she has on those around her.
Line by Line Meaning
She climbs a tree and scrapes her knee
She is adventurous and not afraid to take risks, even if it means getting hurt
Her dress has got a tear
Her appearance may not always be perfect, but it doesn't bother her
She waltzes on her way to mass
She finds joy and happiness in the simplest of activities
And whistles on the stair
She exudes a carefree attitude and is always cheerful
And underneath her wimple she has curlers in her hair
She doesn't conform to societal expectations and embraces her own unique style
I even heard her singing in the abbey
She expresses herself through music and finds solace in her faith
She's always late for chapel but her penitence is real
She may not always be punctual, but she genuinely feels remorse for her actions
She's always late for everything except for every meal
Her love for food is evident, as she never misses a mealtime
I hate to have to say it but I very firmly feel
Although it may be difficult to admit, it is clear that she is not a suitable fit for the abbey
Maria's not an asset to the abbey
Maria's presence and behavior do not contribute positively to the abbey's environment
I'd like to say a word in her behalf
I want to speak in favor of Maria, despite her shortcomings
Maria makes me laugh
Maria's lively and unpredictable nature brings joy and amusement to those around her
How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How can one find a solution to deal with Maria's unique personality?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you control something as fleeting and elusive as Maria's spirit?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
How can you truly describe and define someone as enigmatic as Maria?
A flibbertijibbet, a will o-the wisp, a clown
Maria is whimsical, elusive, and often unpredictable in her actions
Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
There are many things you wish to communicate to Maria
Many a thing she ought to understand
There are many important concepts and lessons that Maria should comprehend
But how do you make her stay
How can you encourage Maria to remain present and engaged?
And listen to all you say?
How can you ensure that Maria actively listens and absorbs your words?
How do you keep a wave upon the sand?
How can you hold onto something as transient and ever-changing as Maria's attention?
Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
Oh, how can you find a resolution to the complexities posed by Maria's nature?
How do you hold our moonbeam in your hand?
How do you capture and control the ethereal essence of Maria?
When I'm with her I'm confused, out of focus and bemused
Being in Maria's presence creates a sense of bewilderment and a loss of clear direction
And I never know exactly where I am
Maria's unpredictable nature makes it difficult to determine one's position or role
Unpredictable as weather, she's as flighty as a feather
Maria's behavior is as changeable and capricious as the weather or a floating feather
She's a darling, she's a demon, she's a lamb
Maria possesses qualities that are endearing, mischievous, and gentle all at once
She'd outpester any pest, drive a hornet from its nest
Maria's persistence and energy surpass even the most bothersome annoyances, capable of unsettling even the most aggressive creatures
She can throw a whirling dervish out of whirl
Maria has the ability to disrupt and disorient even the most spinning and frenetic individuals
She is gentle, she is wild
Maria can exhibit both a tender and fierce nature
She's a riddle, she's a child
Maria is an enigma, full of contradictions and childlike wonder
She's a headache, she's an angel, she's a girl
Maria can bring both frustration and joy, embodying both a heavenly presence and the essence of girlhood
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Richard Rodgers, Oscars Hammerstein II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind