If I had to compile a list of my top 10 favorite songs, “Maggie May” by Rod Stewart would be on that list, probably in the top 5.

One of the things I love about this song is the mandolin. When I was a little girl, my dad used to play the mandolin and I always loved the way it sounded. That the mandolin is featured so prominently in “Maggie May” is part of what makes the song so appealing, in my opinion. It has a unique sound to it, and it adds more character to a song than an acoustic guitar does (but make no mistake, I love acoustic guitar as well).

I also really like the story it tells. I know that Rod Stewart has said it’s based on his own experience, but it tells a good story all on its own. I feel like we’re getting a glimpse into the mind of the narrator of the song, and we get to feel torn as well, not knowing what to do, not being able to tear himself away even though he knows he should.

I think part of what also makes the song and the story so appealing to me is I really like some of the imagery and the phraseology in the song. I really enjoy digging into song lyrics. One part of the lyrics I like is, “The mornin’ sun when it’s in your face really shows your age, but that don’t worry me none, in my eyes, you’re everything.” I remember thinking that Maggie May was probably mad at him for this back-handed compliment, but he’s a young guy, so maybe he didn’t realize how back-handed it was. This verse, “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 any more,” also appeals to me because I like the way Rod Stewart sings it. He sounds playful and loving when he sings this verse. It always brings a smile to my face when I hear this part of the song! This verse as well also seems to tug at my heartstrings, too, because he sounds so lost: “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 playin’ pool, or find myself a rock and roll band that needs a helpin’ hand. Oh Maggie, I wish I’d never seen your face.” He sounds stuck in love, and he knows he should do something different, but he just can’t.

Maybe I am over-analyzing this song, but that’s okay! It’s one I can listen to anytime it comes on. I sing it at the top of my lungs, no matter how lousy my voice is! Take a listen for yourself, and maybe you’ll have a new appreciation for this song that so sweetly expresses how it feels to be in love with someone you know you shouldn’t but you can’t help it!