Rag Mama Rag

Album: The Band (1969)
Charted: 16 57
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • One of the Band's first big European hit singles, "Rag Mama Rag" has some unusual instrumentation. Lead pianist Richard Manuel played drums, drummer Levon Helm played mandolin and sang lead, and bassist Rick Danko played a fiddle. This left the bass spot open on this track, and it was filled by the album's producer, John Simon. He improvised a bassline on tuba, although he had no idea how to play the instrument. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Joey - Athens, GA
  • Robbie Robertson is the only songwriter credited on this track, although other members of the group claim they made contributions. The song finds Levon Helm trying to convince his girl to come back home so she can "rag all over" his house. What he has in mind in unclear: "rag" could mean playing ragtime music (a possibility, considering the line "rosin up the bow"), but he might have more prurient intentions.

Comments: 6

  • Nanda from Allegheny MountainsWhat I heard for years:
    “I ask about your * turn-on *
    And you ask about the weather
    I can't jump a hurdle and
    We can't get together“
  • Bruce from Michigan 48308Listening to leftover salmon version, very good!
  • Christy from Morristown, TnIf you want to have a good time and let it all hang out, this is the song for you.
  • Jackie from Oak Creek, CoI love the line "We could be relaxing, in my sleeping bag" perfect......
  • Dan from Tinley Park, Ilsousaphone**, i should know, i am a sousaphone player myself!
  • Tyler from Brantford, CanadaJohn SImon Played this on a Suzaphone, not a tuba. They are very similar though. He did know how to play brass instruments he had just never used a Suzaphone before.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.