Maple Leaf Rag
Scottjoplin Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I came from ole Virginy from the county Acomac
I have no wealth to speak of 'cept de clothes upon my back
I can do the country hoe-down I can buck and wing to show down
And while I'm in the notion, just step back and watch my motion

Oh go 'way man, I can hypnotize dis nation
I can shake the earth's foundation wit' the Maple Leaf Rag
Oh go 'way man, just hold you breath a minute
For there's not a stunt that's in it with the Maple Leaf Rag

I dropped into the swellest ball, the great exclusive it
But my face was dead agin me and my trousers didn't fit
But when Maple Leaf was started, my timidity departed
I lost my trepidation, you could taste the admiration

Oh go 'way man, I can hypnotize this nation
I can shake the earth's foundation wit' the Maple Leaf Rag
Oh go 'way man, just hold you breath a minute
For there's not a stunt that's in it with the Maple Leaf Rag

The men were struck wit' jealousy, the razors 'gan to flash
But de ladies gathered 'round me for I'd surely made a mash
The finest belle, she sent a boy to call a coach and four
We rode around a season 'till we both were lost to reason

Oh go 'way man, I can hypnotize this nation
I can shake the earth's foundation wit' the Maple Leaf Rag




Oh go 'way man, just hold you breath a minute
For there's not a stunt that's in it with the Maple Leaf Rag

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag tell the story of a man from Virginia who has come to town without much to his name. He boasts that he can dance the "country hoe-down" and the "buck and wing," but it is the Maple Leaf Rag that truly sets him apart. He claims that he can "hypnotize this nation" and "shake the earth's foundation" with the power of the Maple Leaf Rag. He goes on to describe a night at a fancy ball where he initially feels out of place. But once the Maple Leaf Rag begins to play, his confidence is restored, and he becomes the center of attention. The men around him become jealous, and some even draw their razors, but the women are enamored with his dance moves. The lyrics suggest that he and one of the women take a coach and four and ride around until they are "lost to reason."


Line by Line Meaning

I came from ole Virginy from the county Acomac
I originated from Virginia, specifically the county Acomac.


I have no wealth to speak of 'cept de clothes upon my back
I do not possess any notable wealth except for my clothing.


I can do the country hoe-down I can buck and wing to show down
I am capable of performing the country hoe-down dance and the buck and wing dance.


And while I'm in the notion, just step back and watch my motion
While I feel inclined, observe my movements and dance.


Oh go 'way man, I can hypnotize dis nation
Please leave, as I have the ability to captivate this entire nation.


I can shake the earth's foundation wit' the Maple Leaf Rag
With my composition, Maple Leaf Rag, I have the power to move the foundation of the earth.


Oh go 'way man, just hold you breath a minute
Please wait for a moment before departing.


For there's not a stunt that's in it with the Maple Leaf Rag
Since I have created Maple Leaf Rag, there is no performance that can surpass its brilliance.


I dropped into the swellest ball, the great exclusive it
I attended the most elegant ball which was extremely exclusive.


But my face was dead agin me and my trousers didn't fit
Unfortunately, my appearance hindered me, and my pants did not fit properly.


But when Maple Leaf was started, my timidity departed
However, once Maple Leaf Rag began to play, my shyness vanished.


I lost my trepidation, you could taste the admiration
I lost my apprehension, and it was apparent that I was revered.


The men were struck wit' jealousy, the razors 'gan to flash
The men were overwhelmed with envy, and they began to threaten me with their razors.


But de ladies gathered 'round me for I'd surely made a mash
Despite the men's animosity, the ladies surrounded me as I had become popular among them.


The finest belle, she sent a boy to call a coach and four
A high-class woman sent a messenger to acquire a coach drawn by four horses.


We rode around a season 'till we both were lost to reason
We rode in the coach extensively until we both became irrational.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SYDNEY KEITH RUSSELL, SCOTT JOPLIN, JULE STYNE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

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I found them quite gaudy and distracting

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