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The name Maria has long held a place of honor in cultures around the world, with its origins tracing back to the Hebrew name Miriam. Through centuries, the name has spread widely across languages and cultures, taking on different forms such as Mary in English, Marie in French, and Marija in Slavic regions. Its deep association with the Virgin Mary in Christian traditions has contributed to its enduring popularity, making it one of the most beloved and frequently used female names in history. In fact, next to Mary, Maria is perhaps the most commonly sung-about woman’s name, lending itself to a wealth of songs in various musical genres.
# 10 – Highway Patrolman – Bruce Springsteen
“Highway Patrolman” by Bruce Springsteen opens our list of the 10 Best Songs About a Girl Named “Maria” with its poignant storytelling and vivid character development. Taken from Nebraska (1982), an album marked by its stripped-down acoustic production, this song is a classic example of Springsteen’s ability to weave deep emotional narratives into the framework of Americana. The song was recorded at Springsteen’s home studio in Colts Neck, New Jersey, in January 1982, and produced by Springsteen himself. Nebraska stands out as one of Springsteen’s more introspective and somber albums, focused heavily on themes of familial loyalty, moral ambiguity, and the complexity of human relationships. In “Highway Patrolman,” Maria is not the central figure, but her presence as the wife of the narrator, Joe Roberts, serves as a grounding force in the story.
Read More: Complete List Of Bruce Springsteen Albums And Songs
# 9 – Somewhere – Tom Waits
Tom Waits’ haunting cover of “Somewhere,” from his 1978 album Blue Valentine, continues our list of the 10 Best Songs About a Girl Named Maria with a unique twist. Originally written by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim for West Side Story, “Somewhere” is a ballad sung by the star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria. In the context of the musical, Maria is a central figure whose love story represents both the hope and tragedy of impossible circumstances. Tom Waits’ rendition captures the timeless yearning for escape and peace, giving the song a raw and emotional texture that complements the original sentiment while adding a layer of his own signature melancholy.
Read More: Tom Waits’ Best Song From Each Of His Studio Albums
# 8 – Black Maria – Todd Rundgren
“Black Maria” by Todd Rundgren, from his 1972 album Something/Anything?, is a gritty blues-rock track that stands out on this eclectic double album. Rundgren wrote, performed, and produced Something/Anything?, showcasing his multi-instrumental talents and genre versatility. The album was recorded in various locations, including studios in Los Angeles, New York, and London, giving it a rich, diverse sound. Rundgren played nearly all the instruments himself on the album’s first three sides, including on “Black Maria,” which appears on the second side.
Read More: Top 10 Todd Rundgren Songs
# 7 – They Call the Wind Maria – Sam Cooke
“They Call the Wind Maria,” sung by Sam Cooke, is a soulful rendition of a classic tune originally from the 1951 musical Paint Your Wagon, with music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan J. Lerner. In Cooke’s version, released in 1964 on the album Ain’t That Good News, the focus is on the melancholic, lonesome theme conveyed through the metaphor of the wind named Mariah. The song tells the story of a man who has lost everything, wandering alone, seeking solace and redemption through the wind. The wind, “Mariah,” serves as a metaphor for both the forces of nature and the protagonist’s emotions, intensifying his sense of loss and yearning.
Read More: Top 10 Sam Cooke Songs
# 6 – Oh Maria – Tom Petty
From Mudcrutch’s self-titled album released in 2008, “Oh Maria” is a soulful, introspective track that showcases Tom Petty’s unique songwriting abilities and the exceptional talents of his bandmates. This album marked the reunion of Mudcrutch, a band that Petty, along with Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, originally formed in the early 1970s before transitioning to their more well-known role as members of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Read More: Top 10 Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers Songs
# 5 – Sarah Maria – James Taylor
“Sarah Maria,” written by James Taylor, is a heartfelt track from his 1975 album Gorilla. The song is an ode to Taylor’s daughter, Sarah Maria, capturing the tenderness and deep affection he feels for her. The album itself, released through Warner Bros. Records, reflects Taylor’s transition from the folk-rock sound that had defined much of his earlier career to a more expansive and polished production, while still maintaining the emotional depth that had always been central to his songwriting.
Read More: Top 10 James Taylor Songs
# 4 – Ava Maria – Stevie Wonder
![The Ultimate Collection - Motown Christmas [2 CD]](http://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516Cq4-3YxL._SL500_.jpg)
Stevie Wonder’s rendition of Ave Maria, released in 1967 and later released as part of 2009’s The Ultimate Motown Christmas Collection, offers a soulful take on a classical hymn that holds deep religious and historical significance. The song itself, Ave Maria, was originally composed by Franz Schubert in 1825 as part of his Opus 52 series, based on Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem The Lady of the Lake. Over time, Schubert’s composition became widely recognized as a standalone piece associated with the traditional Catholic prayer, especially during religious ceremonies and Christmas celebrations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYDib2ZbICE
# 3 – My Maria – B. W. Stevenson
Released in 1973, My Maria became one of B.W. Stevenson’s most notable hits. Co-written by Stevenson and Daniel Moore, the song appeared on Stevenson’s album My Maria, recorded and produced by David Kershenbaum under RCA Records. This breezy, feel-good track blends folk rock with a touch of country, making it a radio favorite upon its release. My Maria reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing its place as one of the standout songs of the early ’70s.
# 2 – Take a Letter Maria – R.B. Greaves
Released in 1969, Take a Letter Maria by R.B. Greaves became an iconic pop-soul hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Produced by Ahmet Ertegun under Atlantic Records, the song was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, a legendary studio known for its contributions to soul and R&B music. The track’s blend of rhythm and blues with a catchy pop hook helped solidify Greaves’ place in the music scene, though this track would remain his most well-known hit.
# 1 – Maria – West Side Story
How coudl we not have this song in the number-one spot? “Maria” is one of the most iconic songs from West Side Story, the 1957 Broadway musical composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, later adapted into a 1961 film. The musical, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in the streets of 1950s New York, explores themes of love, violence, and social division, with Tony and Maria’s romance symbolizing hope amidst racial tensions between two ethnic gangs, the Jets and Sharks. The song is sung by Tony, one of the main characters, moments after he meets and falls in love with Maria, a Puerto Rican girl tied to the opposing gang in New York City’s social landscape. The film version, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, features Richard Beymer in the role of Tony, with his vocals dubbed by Jimmy Bryant. The soundtrack, recorded in 1960 at CBS 30th Street Studio in New York, became a landmark in musical cinema.
Updated September 8, 2025
10 Best Songs About About A Girl Named “Maria” article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025
Santana’s “Maria, Maria” also comes to mind while reading this article .
B.W. Stevenson’s “My Maria” (a classic) always places my mindset into a sunny/blue sky day, with a light breeze flowing over me, while looking out at a natural body of water (bay, lake, ocean), enjoying a mojito.
One more crossed my mind this evening – “Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me)” from our national treasure, Willie Nelson.