She worked that summer in an ice cream stand
I'd give dun buggy tours through the sawgrass sand
I could hardly wait, to take my breaks and talk to you

Park on the bluff overlooking the sea
Share my pipe and you kiss my cheek
You said, "Farm boy, won't you take me far from here?"

I'd say, "Marianne, Marianne, you know I want you so bad
But I just can't leave this coastal town sand
But I'll always be right here when you come back
Oh, my sweet Marianne"

Even as kids when we'd ride our bikes
Even back then I'd watch your eyes
You were never quite satisfied with the view

I was like a boy there holding his kite
I loved your colors and seeing you fly
But I knew there'd come a day I have to let go of you

I'd say, "Marianne, Marianne, you know I want you so bad
But I just can't leave this coastal town sand
But I'll always be right here when you come back
Oh, my sweet Marianne"

I'm not saying I don't go crazy
Knowing you're not here
I'll pro'bly fight again tonight
Wake up, strung out 'neath the pier
Sometimes when I go driving
I see you walking on the sand
Oh my sweet Marianne

I'd say, "Marianne, Marianne, you know I want you so bad
But I just can't leave this coastal town sand
But I'll always be right here when you come back
Oh, my sweet Marianne
Oh my sweet, Marianne"

Just last night I met a cool girl
Up from the city so I took her for a whirl
She was lovely, oh so lovely, but she wasn't you

But I kept your promise and I held her hand
We jumped in the ocean and away we swam
And for the first time I remember I didn't think of you