MARIA
First released 1994
Maria began life as a track called Maria's Party in the summer of 1992 and was often cited by Tim in interviews as the key track in James new direction after the Seven LP.  It featured throughout the acoustic tours of the US and UK in 1992, but failed to make the final cut for the Laid LP.  The version finally released features Larry Gott on vocal duties and is far removed from the original track.
The party referred to in the song apparently took place at a large house in Belgium.
WHERE TO GET
Wah Wah 2LP (522 827-1), CAS (522 827-4), CD (522 827-2)
Selections From Wah Wah promo (SACD 947)
GUITAR TABS

LYRICS
There's a Malayan stripper of sex unknown
Some Siamese twins from a broken home
Maria's party, what a show going on
Maria loves her life, she'll show you how
There's a strong man tearing himself into pieces
A magician who will spin you on the end of his spindly fingers
There's a show going on
Maria loves her life, she'll show you how, how, how
 

There's a high wire act on the telephone wire
And another Buddhist monk has set himself on fire
There's a fakir outside being buried alive
Maria's mad aunt has yet to arrive
A dog that dances, and a frog with wings,
A bear in a tutu that just loves to sing the karaoke 
There's a show going on
 

Maria loves her life, and that's all, and that's all, and that's all.
La La La La La La La .....
You will love her forever when the scene hits your town
La La La La La La La .....
You will love her forever
You will love her forever 
Maria's party
And that's all, that's all, that's all, that's all