Rag Doll
Jersey Boys Lyrics
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Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
Ahh, ah-ah-ah-ahh (Rag doll, ooh)
Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
(Hand-me-down) When she was just a kid her clothes were hand-me-down
(Hand-me-down) They always laughed at her when she came into town
Called her rag doll, little rag doll
Ooh, oo-oo-oo-ooh (Ooh-oo-ooh)
Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
(Sad rag doll) I'd change her sad rags into glad rags if I could
(If I could) My folks won't let me 'cause they say that she's no good
She's a rag doll, such a rag doll
Though I love her so, I can't let her know
Ooh, oo-oo-oo-ooh (Ooh-oo-ooh)
Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
Ahh, ah-ah-ah-ahh (Rag doll, ooh)
I love you just the way you are
A-ahh, ah-ah-ah-ah ah-ahh (Rag doll, ooh)
Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
In the song "Rag Doll" from Jersey Boys, the singer recounts the story of a young girl who is teased and laughed at by her peers because of her ragged and worn-out clothing. She is referred to as a "rag doll," but despite her humble appearance, the singer sees her inner beauty and longs to help improve her quality of life. He wishes to give her new clothes and a better future, but his parents do not approve of their relationship because they believe that she is not good enough for him. The singer, however, loves her just the way she is.
The overarching theme of the song is the power of love overcoming material possessions and social status. Despite the girl's outward appearance of poverty, the singer sees her charm, beauty, and innocence. He reminds us that it is important to look beyond someone's exterior and recognize the value they possess within themselves.
The melody of "Rag Doll" is a playful mix of harmonies and catchy hooks that create a perfect blend of rock and roll and pop. The song has an upbeat rhythm and distinct harmonies that show the influence of the Four Seasons' sound, with Frankie Valli's inimitable falsetto voice carrying the chorus to its lively conclusion.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, oo-oo-oo-ooh (Ooh-oo-ooh)
Expressing excitement and admiration for the person being referred to.
Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
Repeating the excitement and admiration from the previous line.
Ahh, ah-ah-ah-ahh (Rag doll, ooh)
Acknowledgement of the name being given to the person being referred to.
Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
Repeating the acknowledgement from the previous line.
(Hand-me-down) When she was just a kid her clothes were hand-me-down
Explaining the origin of the rag doll's nickname due to her wearing used clothes.
(Hand-me-down) They always laughed at her when she came into town
Reinforcing how the rag doll was treated due to her appearance.
Called her rag doll, little rag doll
Repeating her nickname to emphasize how it stuck with her.
Such a pretty face should be dressed in lace
Expressing how despite her being called a rag doll, she is still beautiful and deserves to be treated as such.
Ooh, oo-oo-oo-ooh (Ooh-oo-ooh)
Repeating the admiration for the rag doll's beauty.
Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
Repeating the admiration from the previous line.
(Sad rag doll) I'd change her sad rags into glad rags if I could
Expressing a desire to help the rag doll improve her situation.
(If I could) My folks won't let me 'cause they say that she's no good
Explaining the reason why help cannot be given due to the rag doll's reputation.
She's a rag doll, such a rag doll
Repeating her nickname to emphasize how it affects how others see her.
Though I love her so, I can't let her know
Admitting feelings for the rag doll but acknowledging the social pressure to keep it hidden.
Ooh, oo-oo-oo-ooh (Ooh-oo-ooh)
Repeating the admiration for the rag doll's beauty and charm despite her reputation.
Ooh-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh
Repeating the admiration from the previous line.
Ahh, ah-ah-ah-ahh (Rag doll, ooh)
Acknowledgement of the name being given to the person being referred to.
I love you just the way you are
Affirming that the rag doll is lovable and deserving of love despite her situation.
A-ahh, ah-ah-ah-ah ah-ahh (Rag doll, ooh)
Repeating the sentiment from the previous line.
Contributed by Isaac J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@VincentIrkallaOfficial
The monologue at the end. Tear-jerking. Reminds you to cherish the moments you share with the ones you love.
@MichaelDiPrima03201994
I'm 18, and I love the oldies. This is what I have playing all day
@Gigachad_69_420
One of the greatest groups in existence and one of the best songs by the greatest of the 60's
@airiburkholder5640
I’m only 11 but I grew up listing to this when I was little and still love it!!!♥️
@Mal350
Same
@ethandoesfitness7670
I find it funny that people say older music is trash. But this actually makes people happy, unlike today's music which just makes you depressed.
@SeahorsesJay
Nobody says older music is trash other than teenagers and the uncultured. Music becomes a purer form of art the further back you go and this is objective, as music used to be an intrinsic expression - which is what art is, whereas now - music is approached from an industrial perspective which means the final product holds less artistic merit, though ultimately it doesn't matter because if the person consuming the final product is happy - then I have no complaints. Let them be. I like art though
@soniabishop7529
These boys are so great! Especially the actor played Frankie :-)
@blunk778
john loyd young
@TheTausendschoen
watched them in august and it was incredible. love them!