They Call The Wind Maria

Album: Paint Your Wagon soundtrack (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The fifth song from the 1969 musical Paint Your Wagon was composed by by Frederick Loewe and written by Alan Jay Lerner. Along with "Wand'rin' Star" this is probably the best known song from this film. It is performed by Harve Presnell as Rotten Luck Willie with an unseen Chorus - in the song, Willie is asking the wind to blow his lost love back to him. Maria is pronounced as in light my fire-e.

    Written in 4/4 time, it was also released as a single by Presnell, by The Dozier Boys and Sam Cooke among others. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 2

  • Chdrk from ScI was wrong. It is Harve Presnel with dyed hair !! He is a Blond and they gave him dark hair & a dark beard- he looks just like Howard Keel !! He played in 7Brides for 7 Brothers with Howard Keel !! They both have beautiful deep voices.
  • Denise from Los AngelesHarve Presnell singing they call The Wind Mariah is the most beautiful rendition I have ever heard..I listened to this song by at least 6 or 7 other singers including Pernell Roberts and Robert Goulet and no one no matter how well they sing, sings it a heart warmly and soulful as he does.. I love watching the video, watching him sing makes you want to cry for him and his love he left behind..
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.

Curt Kirkwood of Meat Puppets

Curt Kirkwood of Meat PuppetsSongwriter Interviews

The (Meat)puppetmaster takes us through songs like "Lake Of Fire" and "Backwater," and talks about performing with Kurt Cobain on MTV Unplugged.

U2

U2Fact or Fiction

How did The Edge get his name? Did they name a song after a Tolkien book? And who is "Angel of Harlem" about?

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

Actors With Hit Songs

Actors With Hit SongsMusic Quiz

Many actors have attempted music, but only a few have managed a hit. Do you know which of these thespians charted?