The song was quite an accomplishment for Crewe and Guadio and the Four Seasons, ascending to the top of the charts during 1964, "the year of The Beatles," a tough time for U.S.-based pop acts to have chart success.
According to songwriter Bob Gaudio, the recording was inspired by the activities of a young girl as he was stopped in traffic in Manhattan. As he waited for the traffic signal to change, a dirty-faced girl proceeded to clean the windshield of his automobile for some spare change. When Gaudio reached into his wallet, he was surprised to find that all he had was currency, and none of the bills were smaller than $20. He gave the girl in tattered clothes a $20 bill. Her look of utter astonishment stayed in Gaudio's mind as he approached the recording studio. "Rag Doll", with a few tweaks by Bob Crewe, was the result.
The B-side was the original version of "Silence Is Golden." In 1967 the song was a number one hit in the UK Singles Chart for the English band The Tremeloes.
Rag Doll
The Four Seasons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, rag doll, ooh
Hand me down
When she was just a kid
Her clothes were hand-me-downs
Hand-me-down
They always laughed at her when she came into town
Little rag doll
Such a pretty face should be dressed in lace
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
(Shag 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 ooh ooh ooh oh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh oh
Aah aah aah aah aah, rag doll
I love you just they way you are
Ooh ooh ooh ooh oh, rag doll, ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh oh, rag doll, ooh
The Four Seasons' song "Rag Doll" tells the story of a girl who is constantly ridiculed for wearing second-hand clothes. She is called a "rag doll" and is not accepted by the elitist town folk. However, the singer empathizes with the girl and wishes to help transform her "sad rags into glad rags." Unfortunately, societal pressures and the disapproval of his family prevent him from doing so. Despite this, he still loves the girl and tells her that he loves her just the way she is.
The lyrics of "Rag Doll" are relatable to many people who have experienced rejection or discrimination due to their socioeconomic status. The song highlights the harshness of class division and how it can affect one's self-esteem. The theme of unconditional love, even in the face of social pressure, is poignant and universal. The song's catchy tune, coupled with the poignant lyrics, make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh
Indicates a sound of realization or understanding
Oh, rag doll, ooh
Addressing the subject of the song, who is referred to as a "rag doll"
Hand me down
Refers to clothes or possessions that have been previously used and passed on to someone else
When she was just a kid
Refers to a time when the subject of the song was younger
Her clothes were hand-me-downs
Describes how the subject of the song had to wear used clothing that was given to her
They always laughed at her when she came into town
Describes how the subject of the song was ridiculed by others when she was in public
Called her rag doll
Refers to the nickname given to the subject of the song
Little rag doll
Emphasizes the subject's small size and vulnerability
Such a pretty face should be dressed in lace
Suggests that the subject's physical appearance warrants nicer clothing than what she has
Ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Indicates a change in mood or tone of the song
(Shag rag doll)
Reiteration of the nickname given to the subject of the song
I'd change her sad rags into glad rags
Expresses desire to improve the subject's clothing and overall appearance
If I could (if I could)
Expresses the inability or lack of opportunity to improve the subject's situation
My folks won't let me
Refers to one's parents disapproving of improving the subject's situation
'Cause they say that she's no good
Explains the reasoning behind the parents' disapproval of helping the subject
She's a rag doll, such a rag doll
Reiteration of the nickname given to the subject of the song
Though I love her so
Expresses the singer's affection for the subject of the song
I can't let her know
Suggests that the singer is hiding their feelings from the subject of the song
Aah aah aah aah aah, rag doll
Reiteration of the nickname given to the subject of the song
I love you just the way you are
Reassures the subject of the song that they are appreciated and loved despite their situation
Ooh ooh ooh ooh oh, rag doll, ooh
Reiteration of the nickname given to the subject of the song
Ooh ooh ooh ooh oh, rag doll, ooh
Final reiteration of the nickname given to the subject of the song
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB CREWE, BOB GAUDIO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ElliotBrownJingles
Just found out that Silence Is Golden was the B-side to this. What a 45!
@Nestor123057
Yes, many of their B sides could have been top 40 songs. My favorite was "Searching Wind", the B side of Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye). Check it out on YouTube. On the record, and as a child it was haunting, and I loved it.
@ElliotBrownJingles
@@Nestor123057 I absolutely love that one too. Great suggestion!
@Nestor123057
The story behind this song is classic. According to Bob Gaudio, he'd stopped at a light on Riverside Drive when a young girl came up to his car and began washing his windshield. As the light turned green, he fumbled for change, but found nothing smaller than a ten-dollar bill. He said he couldn't just give her nothing. So, he gave her the ten. As he drove off, he looked in his rear view and saw the girl still standing there, staring at the bill. The image of that girl, in her tattered clothes, was so powerful that when he got to the studio, he began writing this song. The rest, as they say, is rock 'n roll history.
@georgesedares8036
All great songs touch the heart ! This one belongs among the top 5 in the world....
@williamkovacs6308
Great story
@snoopah3077
I hope this is true...
@nkechimordi
What a beautiful story behind an amazing song!
@bojandolinar1535
Holy smokes, 10$ in 1964 is like 90$ today. That girl had to be starring at that bill for a long time.
@user-di5sh9ce3h
Just saw Jersey Boys and it was awesome.