Rod Stewart - Maggie May

About the song

"Maggie May" stands as an enduring classic in the realm of rock and folk music, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. Written by the legendary British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton, the song was released in 1971 as a part of Stewart's album "Every Picture Tells a Story."

The lyrics of "Maggie May" tell a poignant tale of a young man's romantic entanglement with an older woman, Maggie May. The song's narrative explores themes of love, regret, and the passage of time, capturing the essence of youthful indiscretion. Stewart's raspy, soulful voice lends a raw and emotional quality to the storytelling, enhancing the impact of the lyrics.

One of the most notable aspects of the song is its acoustic guitar riff, played by Martin Quittenton. The opening chords are instantly recognizable and set the tone for the folk-rock masterpiece that follows. Stewart's emotive delivery and the skillful interplay of instruments create an atmosphere that resonates with listeners, drawing them into the narrative.

"Maggie May" was a commercial success, topping the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its widespread appeal can be attributed not only to the catchy melody but also to the relatable nature of the lyrics. The song's universal themes of love, heartbreak, and the lessons learned from youthful indiscretions have ensured its enduring popularity over the decades.

As an anthem of the 1970s, "Maggie May" remains a testament to Rod Stewart's songwriting prowess and his ability to craft timeless stories through music. Its continued presence in the musical canon is a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song with evocative lyrics that resonate across generations.

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Lyric

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"Wake up, Maggie, I think I got somethin' to say to youIt's late September and I really should be back at schoolI know I keep you amused, but I feel I'm being usedOh, Maggie, I couldn't have tried any more
You led me away from homeJust to save you from being aloneYou stole my heart and that's what really hurts
The mornin' sun when it's in your face really shows your ageBut that don't worry me none, in my eyes, you're everythingI laughed at all of your jokes, my love, you didn't need to coaxOh, Maggie, I couldn't have tried any more
You led me away from homeJust to save you from being aloneYou stole my soul, and that's a pain I can do without
All I needed was a friend to lend a guiding handBut you turned into a lover, and mother, what a lover, you wore me outAll you did was wreck my bed, and in the morning, kick me in the headOh, Maggie, I couldn't have tried any more
You led me away from home'Cause you didn't wanna be aloneYou stole my heart, I couldn't leave you if I tried
I suppose I could collect my books and get on back to schoolOr steal my daddy's cue and make a living out of playin' poolOr find myself a rock and roll band that needs a helpin' handOh, Maggie, I wished I'd never seen your face
You made a first-class fool out of meBut I'm as blind as a fool can beYou stole my heart, but I love you anyway
Maggie, I wished I'd never seen your faceI'll get on back home one of these daysOoh, ooh, ooh"
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