Monday, March 15, 2010

nurghophonic jukebox: "Maria" by Blondie

Written By: Jimmy Destri
Released: 1999
Album: No Exit
Single?: #1 in the UK, #82 on US Billboard Hot 100

Anecdote: I've decided I'd like to have more of my own personality on this blog, as opposed to the aloof vibe I once preferred. Blog buddy wiec? recently had a birthday, and he digs Debbie Harry, so it was this or a nudie scene from Videodrome to celebrate.

I've liked Blondie since an early age, but I've only ever followed them as a singles band. I caught them in concert as a treat for my visiting sister last year on a triple bill with the Donnas and Pat Benetar. If you're ever in-a Houston, try to catch a show at the Arena Theater. It's a comparatively intimate venue, and thanks to a 360 degree rotating stage, there isn't a bad seat in the house (unless you're in line with the speakers.) Anyway, when Harry came out, she was wearing chunky '80s sunglasses, a business jacket, and fishnet stockings. She came off as cold at first, awkwardly strutting, with stiff arthritic movements. After a song or two, her voice and joints seemed to loosen up, and her personality warmed. Her pipes were never 100%, but damned solid for a 63 year old new wave chick. Speaking of which, after she ditched the shades and jacket, I could see she was holding up pretty well physically, though in a curvier way than in her heroin chic heyday. The set was solid, with curve balls like a cover of Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough." I'm fond of the band's last big single, which fared poorly stateside, but "Maria" rocked live. I figured it was the most interesting track to offer here, given my surface-level fandom...



Lyrics:
She walks like she dont care.
Smooth as silk, cool as air.
Ooh, it makes you wanna cry.

She doesnt know your name and your heart beats like a subway train.
Ooh, it makes you wanna die.

Ooh, dont you wanna take her?
Wanna make her all your own?

Maria.
Youve gotta see her!
Go insane and out of your mind.
Latina.
Ave maria.
A million and one candlelights.

Ive seen this thing before.
In my best friend and the boy next door.
Fool for love and fool of fire.

Wont come in from the rain.
Sees oceans running down the drain.
Blue as ice and desire.

Dont you wanna make her?
Ooh, dont you wanna take her home?

Maria.
Youve gotta see her!
Go insane and out of your mind.
Latina.
Ave maria.
A million and one candlelights.

Ooh, dont you wanna break her?
Ooh, dont you wanna take her home?

She walks like she dont care.
You wanna take her everywhere.
Ooh, it makes you wanna cry.

She walks like a she don't care.
Walking on imported air.
Ooh, it makes you wanna die.

Maria.
Youve gotta see her!
Go insane and out of your mind.
Latina.
Ave maria.
A million and one candlelights.

Maria.
Youve gotta see her!
Go insane and out of your mind.
Latina.
Ave maria.
A million and one candlelights.

Maria.
Youve gotta see her!
Go insane and out of your mind.
Regina.
Ave maria.
A million and one candlelights.

Maria.
Youve gotta see her!
Go insane and out of your mind.
Latina.
Ave maria.
A million and one candlelights.


2 comments:

wiec? said...

thanks mang!

but next year nudie scene. nudie scene. kidding. sort of. good song you picked today!

Diabolu Frank said...

Yeah, that's one of my favorites, and as singles go, pretty obscure (for our side of the pond.) I was thrilled it got played, as I wasn't expecting it to make the set list on a triple bill.

...nurghophiles...

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