Rag Mama Rag

"Rag Mama Rag" is credited solely to Robbie Robertson. However, drummer Levon Helm claimed years later that the song was a group effort. The song has an improvised feel. The Band initially attempted to record the song in a straightforward manner, but it did not sound right to Robertson. So, drummer Helm moved to play mandolin, pianist Richard Manuel played drums, bassist Rick Danko played fiddle and producer John Simon played tuba, while organist Garth Hudson played upright acoustic piano in a ragtime fashion. Helm also sang the lead vocals. According to Goldmine critic Rob Bowman, the lyrics are "about a rather curious mind-twisting woman". AllMusic critic Thomas Ward views the lyrics as "almost nonsensical". ==Reception==

AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine describes "Rag Mama Rag" as a "rollicking uptempo number." Hoskyns claims that the song sounds like it "came straight out of turn-of-the-century New Orleans." Ward describes the song as a "wonderful, swinging song with some of the Band's most perfect playing (which is saying something)..." DeRiso commented on how the song sounds improvised at first but on closer listen the "song rambles along with a focused, air-tight groove" with the group in "complete control" even while making the song sound like "a goof." Record World said that "the best rock band in the country sounds magnificent." Billboard called it a "down-home entry" with "first rate" performance and production. ==Performers==

• Levon Helm – vocals, mandolin • Richard Manuel – drums, harmonica • Rick Danko – fiddle • Garth Hudson – upright piano • Robbie Robertson – electric guitar with: • John Simon – tuba ==Other versions==

"Rag Mama Rag" has appeared on a number of The Band compilation albums, including Anthology, To Kingdom Come: The Definitive Collection, Across the Great Divide, Greatest Hits and A Musical History. Musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Phil Lesh, and Steve Earle & The Dukes have also covered the song in concert. ==References==