This was the first big hit of the rock era to feature a mandolin, which was mostly heard in folk music. Stewart first used the instrument on "Mandolin Wind," which was one of the first songs he recorded for the album. He liked the results, so he used it on "Maggie" as well. "Maggie May" remains the biggest mondolin-based hit ever recorded, although the theme music for The Godfather, released the following year, may be more recognized.
Every Picture Tells A Story was Stewart's third solo album, and the one that made him a superstar. At the time, he was still lead singer of the Faces, and for this session, which took place at Morgan Sound Studios in Willesden, England, he brought in two of his mates from that group: Ronnie Wood (guitar/bass) and Ian McLagan (organ). The other musicians were drummer Mickey Waller (he forgot to bring his cymbals to the session, so those were overdubbed later), guitarist Martin Quittenton and mandolin player Ray Jackson. The song came together quickly in the studio, helped along by Jackson's mandolin contribution. Jackson had been hired to perform on the song "Mandolin Wind," which is why he was available. Stewart asked him to play something they might use to end the song, which he improvised on the spot.
Maggie May - Lyrics
Wake up, Maggie
I think I got something to say to you
It's late September and
I really should be back at school
I 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
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