Maria
View chords used in this chart
Title: Maria
Artist: George Strait
Songwriter: Robert Earl Keen Jr.
From the MCA Nashville Album: One Step At A Time
Intro: C
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C C/A C
There's a soft rain tappin' on your window
C C7 F
There's a cool breeze blowin' off the bay
G7 G
And a warm flame dancin' with our shadows
F G
To music playin' far away
C C/A C
I never meant to stay an hour
C C7 F
I thought that I was passin' through
G7 G
Another town along the highway
F G C
I never meant to fall for you
F G C
But I can't speak for you, Maria
Bdim F
I only know the way I feel
F G C F
When I sleep with you, Maria
Dm G C
There's nothin' left for dreams to steal
C C/A C
On a Bible by the mirror
C C7 F
The only treasure's that we hold
G7 G
The only secrets that we're keeping
F G C
A watch, a chain, a cross of gold
F G C
I can't speak for you, Maria
Bdim F
I only know the way I feel
F G C F
When I sleep with you, Maria
Dm G C
There's nothin' left for dreams to steal
Instrumental: Bdim F G C
C C/A C
When the sunlight brings the morning
C C7 F
I can't tell you what I'll do
G7 G
But I've a mind to take you with me
F G C
And I've a heart to stay with you
F G C
But I can't speak for you, Maria
Bdim F
I only know the way I feel
F G C F
When I sleep with you, Maria
Dm G C
There's nothin' left for dreams to steal
F G C F
When I sleep with you, Maria
Dm G C
There's nothin' left for dreams to steal
--< My interpretation of course >--
Chord Fingering Chart
How to play Maria
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is A. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.