"I Did What I Did for Maria" is a song recorded by English singer Tony Christie.[1] It was written and produced by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander,[2] who were also responsible for Christie's "Las Vegas" and "Avenues and Alleyways".[3] The song is about a widower who, on the eve of his execution, recalls how he remorselessly avenged his dead wife, hence the title.[4] It reached number two in the UK Singles Chart in June 1971, and was also a major hit in Ireland, where it also reached number two. It was a number-one hit in New Zealand,[5] and also peaked at number three in Australia.
The track later appeared on Christie's compilation album, Definitive Collection, which reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart in 2005.[6]
Paper Lace included this song on their 1974 album, Paper Lace.[7]
References
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 106. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "I Did What I Did for Maria - Tony Christie - Song Info". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "The Very Best of Tony Christie - Tony Christie - Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "Tony Christie - I Did What I Did For Maria Lyrics - MetroLyrics". Metrolyrics.com. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ http://www.flavourofnz.co.nz/index.php?qpageID=search%20listener&qartistid=832#n_view_location
- ^ "TONY CHRISTIE - full Official Chart History - Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "Paper Lace - Paper Lace - Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 January 2018.