Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Rag Mama Rag
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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Rag Mama Rag, what did you do?
Crawled up to the railroad track
Let the four nine-teen scratch my back
Sag mama sag now
What's come over you
Rag Mama Rag, I'm a pulling out your gag.
Got a tail I need a drag.
I ask about your turtle,
And you ask about the weather,
Well, I can't jump the hurdle
And we can't get together.
We could be relaxing in my sleeping bag,
But all you want to do for me mama
Is rag Mama rag there's no-where to go,
Rag Mama rag. Come on resin up the bow.
Rag Mama rag, where do ya roam?
Rag Mama rag, bring your skinny little body back home.
Its dog eat dog and cat eat mouse, you can
You can rag Mama rag all over my house.
Hail stones beating on the roof,
The bourbon is a hundred proof,
Its you and me and the telephone
Our destiny is quite well known.
We don't need to sit and brag.
All we gotta do is
Rag Mama rag Mama rag.
Rag Mama rag
Where do you roam?
Rag Mama rag, bring your skinny little body back home
The song "Rag Mama Rag" by Blues Traveler tells the story of a man who is frustrated with his relationship with a woman, known as Rag Mama. He laments that he cannot quite understand her or what she wants from him. He describes her as being erratic and reckless, crawling up to the railroad track and letting the train scratch her back. He also questions what has come over her, suggesting that something has changed in her behavior that he cannot comprehend.
The man then turns his focus onto their lack of communication and their inability to connect with each other. He wishes they could simply relax together, but all she wants to do is "rag Mama rag." Despite their differences and struggles, the man still longs for Rag Mama and implores her to return home to him.
Line by Line Meaning
Rag Mama rag, can't believe its true.
I am in disbelief that this situation is actually happening.
Rag Mama Rag, what did you do?
I am curious about what caused this situation to occur.
Crawled up to the railroad track
I went to a specific location, the railroad track.
Let the four nine-teen scratch my back
I allowed the train with the number 419 to brush against my back.
Sag mama sag now
I am asking you to explain what is going on with you.
What's come over you
I am inquiring about what has caused you to behave in this manner.
Rag Mama Rag, I'm a pulling out your gag.
I am removing the impediment from your mouth so you can speak.
Gonna turn you lose like an old caboose,
I intend to set you free just like an old trailing railcar.
Got a tail I need a drag.
I have an urge to move forward, and need your help to do so.
I ask about your turtle,
I inquire about the status of your pet turtle.
And you ask about the weather,
You inquire about current weather conditions.
Well, I can't jump the hurdle
I am unable to overcome the obstacle before me.
And we can't get together.
We are unable to come to an agreement or connect in any meaningful way.
We could be relaxing in my sleeping bag,
We have the potential to be enjoying each other's company in a comfortable environment.
But all you want to do for me mama
You appear fixated on doing only one thing for me.
Is rag Mama rag there's no-where to go,
You want to pursue the same course of action without any clear direction or plan.
Rag Mama rag. Come on resin up the bow.
Let's play some music together.
Rag Mama rag, where do ya roam?
I'm wondering where you wander.
Rag Mama rag, bring your skinny little body back home.
Come back home where you belong.
Its dog eat dog and cat eat mouse, you can
Life is tough and survival is a competition.
You can rag Mama rag all over my house.
You can make a mess in my house if you want to.
Hail stones beating on the roof,
There is a hailstorm happening outside, and it's loud.
The bourbon is a hundred proof,
The alcohol being consumed is very strong.
Its you and me and the telephone
It's just the two of us and a phone.
Our destiny is quite well known.
The outcome of our situation is clear.
We don't need to sit and brag.
We don't need to boast about ourselves.
All we gotta do is Rag Mama rag Mama rag.
All we need to do is play music together and forget everything else.
Rag Mama rag
Let's play some music together.
Where do you roam?
Where have you been traveling?
Bring your skinny little body back home
Please come back home.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBBIE ROBERTSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind