Rod Stewart, “Maggie May” Live 1971

Top Of The Pops, 1971

What’s not to love about Rod Stewart’s 1971 performance of the iconic ‘Maggie May’? One of Rod’s biggest hits, ‘Maggie May’ expresses the ambivalence and contradictory emotions of a young man involved in a relationship with an older woman but manages to be lighthearted enough to stand the test of time as a song we still sing along to just as enthusiastically now as we did back then.

This performance features Rod at his best on the UK’s Top Of The Pops, and the ease with which then 26 year old Rod Stewart navigates and commands the stage is a great glimpse into the consummate performer he’d become known as he got older.

Fun Fact: ‘Maggie May’ is based on real life! Rod wrote the song about an older woman he had an affair with in his late teens.

Guys, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss! I mean, what’s better than young Rod Stewart, belting his way through one of the greatest songs ever written?

+ 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 any more
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
But 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 any more

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 any more
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 wish 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 wish that I’d never seen your face
I’ll get a ride home one of these days, oh-oh