About the song
There’s a familiar grin behind the voice in “Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me)”, a sly, country shuffle from Willie Nelson that captures his knack for humor, mischief, and old-school charm—all wrapped in that unmistakable, world-worn drawl. Released in 2002 on his critically praised album The Great Divide, this song stands out as one of the record’s most playful offerings, bringing a wink and a nod to the complexities of love, longing, and the delightful exasperation of romance.
At the heart of “Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me)” is Nelson’s ageless persona: the roguish romantic who’s seen it all, still tender underneath the grit, and never too serious to crack a smile. The title alone promises a certain irreverent energy, and the track delivers. It opens with a lively, mid-tempo groove that leans more toward country-pop than Nelson’s usual outlaw territory, a reflection of the album’s broader stylistic ambitions. But while The Great Divide features collaborations with names like Rob Thomas and Sheryl Crow, this particular track stays closer to Willie’s roots—albeit with a fresh, polished edge.
Lyrically, the song is pure Willie: conversational, unpretentious, and loaded with subtle wit. He paints a picture of a relationship that’s at once frustrating and deeply affectionate, and he does it without overthinking it. Instead of waxing poetic about the mysteries of love, he cuts right to the chase with the titular command: “Shut up and kiss me.” It’s a line that might come off as brash in lesser hands, but from Nelson, it’s endearing—delivered with the casual intimacy of someone who’s earned the right to speak plainly.
Musically, the track is buoyed by crisp instrumentation and clean production, balancing radio-friendly clarity with the warm, analog sensibility that Willie has always favored. The melody is simple but catchy, a toe-tapper built on breezy guitar lines and easygoing percussion. It’s a song that feels made for windows-down drives or quiet evenings on the porch, where the air is warm and the company familiar.
In a career that spans decades and defies categories, “Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me)” reminds us that Willie Nelson remains one of country music’s most charismatic storytellers—playful, wise, and always unmistakably himself.
Video
Lyrics
… That’s my favorite part
Rewind my life on
When my world got dark
And you turned my light on
… I watched it for hours again and again in my head
I did
I see I was down on you more than I needed to be
I’d say I’m sorry but then you’d think I’m lyin’
… Maria, shut up and kiss me
Stop shakin’, stand up and hold me
I bet you’re gonna miss me
You need me, believe me
… Maria shut up and kiss me
You’re crazy and it turns me on and on
The way you’re carryin’ on
… And that’s my favorite shirt
You always had on
Man, it sure looked good
Ev’ry time you walked on
… You’re takin’ the wind from me every chance that you could
You’re good
Somethin’ I can’t explain (Can’t explain)
Tell me lately I’ve changed (I’ve changed)
If you feel better tell me (Why are you cryin’?)
… Maria, shut up and kiss me
Stop shakin’, stand up and hold me
I bet you’re gonna miss me
You need me, believe me
… Maria shut up and kiss me
You’re crazy and it turns me on and on
The way you’re carryin’ on
… Maria, Maria can we talk it over instead?
(Talk it over, talk it over)
Let’s call it even and leave it alone, come to bed
Maria, stop leavin’, your teasin’ is beaten me down
… Maria, just calm down (Just calm down)
In these situations I’ve found (I’ve found)
It’s best not to be proud
And say that you’re sorry
… Maria, shut up and kiss me
Stop shakin’, stand up and hold me
I bet you’re gonna miss me
You need me, believe me
… Maria, shut up and kiss me
You’re crazy and it turns me on and on
(On and on, on and on and on and on)
(Maria)
… You’re crazy and it turns me on and on (Maria)
The way you’re carryin’ on (Maria)
… And it turns me on and on (Maria)
And it turns me on and on (Maria)
And it turns me on and on (Maria)
And it turns me on and on (Maria)
And it turns me on and on (Maria)
And it turns me on and on (Maria)
And it turns me on and on (Maria)
