Did You Know
“Maggie May” is a classic rock song by British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart. Released in 1971, the song became one of Stewart’s signature tracks and a major hit. Here are some details about the song:
Title: Maggie May
Artist: Rod Stewart
Release Date: July 1971
Album: Every Picture Tells a Story
Label: Mercury Records
Writers: Rod Stewart, Martin Quittenton
Producer: Rod Stewart, Lou Reizner
Genre: Rock, Folk rock
Background: “Maggie May” was released as the lead single from Rod Stewart’s third solo album, “Every Picture Tells a Story.” The song tells the story of a young man’s romantic involvement with an older woman named Maggie May. The title character’s name was inspired by a traditional folk song.
Musical Style: The song features a blend of rock and folk influences, with Rod Stewart’s raspy and soulful vocals at the forefront. The acoustic guitar riff, played by Martin Quittenton, is a distinctive element of the song’s sound.
Chart Performance: “Maggie May” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. It played a significant role in establishing Rod Stewart as a solo artist, separate from his work with the Jeff Beck Group and Faces.
Legacy: The song is considered one of Rod Stewart’s greatest hits and remains a classic in the rock genre. Its storytelling lyrics, memorable melody, and Stewart’s emotive delivery have contributed to its enduring popularity.
Awards: “Maggie May” received critical acclaim and earned Rod Stewart a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1972. The success of the song also contributed to the commercial success of the “Every Picture Tells a Story” album.
Cultural Impact: The song’s cultural impact extends beyond its chart success. “Maggie May” is often included in lists of the greatest rock songs of all time and is a staple of classic rock radio playlists. Its influence can be heard in subsequent generations of rock and folk-influenced music.
Follow-Up: The B-side of the “Maggie May” single, a cover of Tim Hardin’s “Reason to Believe,” also gained popularity and received airplay. The combination of both songs helped solidify Rod Stewart’s status as a solo artist with a distinctive voice and style.
“Maggie May” stands as a timeless example of Rod Stewart’s musical artistry and storytelling ability. Its success marked a pivotal moment in Stewart’s career and remains an integral part of the classic rock canon.
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Lyrics
“Maggie May”
Wake up, Maggie
I think I got something to say to you
It’s late September and
I really should be back at schoolI know I keep you amused
But I feel I’m being used
Oh, Maggie, I couldn’t have tried anymore
You led me away from home
Just to save you from being alone
You stole my heart and that’s what really hurts
The morning sun, when it’s in your face
Really shows your age
That don’t worry me none
In my eyes, you’re everything
I laughed at all of your jokes
My love you didn’t need to coax
Oh, Maggie, I couldn’t have tried anymore
You led me away from home
Just to save you from being alone
You stole my soul and that’s a pain I can do without
All I needed was a friend
To lend a guiding hand
But you turned into a lover, and mother what a lover!
You wore me out
All you did was wreck my bed
And in the morning kick me in the head
Oh, Maggie, I couldn’t have tried anymore
You led me away from home
‘Cause you didn’t want to be alone
You stole my heart, I couldn’t leave you if I tried
I suppose I could collect my books
And get on back to school
Or steal my daddy’s cue
And make a living out of playing pool
Or find myself a rock ‘n’ roll band
That needs a helping hand
Oh, Maggie, I wished I’d never seen your face
You made a first-class fool out of me
But I’m as blind as a fool can be
You stole my heart, but I love you anyway
Maggie, I wished I’d never seen your face
I’ll get on back home one of these days, ooh, ooh, ooh