Rag Doll (Aerosmith song)

Infobox Single |
Name = Rag Doll


Artist = Aerosmith
from Album = Permanent Vacation
Released = 1988
B-side = "St. John"
Format = Cassette, CD, Record
Recorded = 1987
Genre = Hard rock
Length = 04:24
Writer = Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Jim Vallance, Holly Knight
Label = Geffen
Producer = Bruce Fairbairn
Chart position = * #17 (US Billboard Hot 100)
* #12 (US Mainstream Rock Tracks)
* #42 (UK)
Reviews =
Last single = "Angel" (1988)
This single = "Rag Doll" (1988)
Next single = "Love in an Elevator" (1989)
Misc = Extra album cover 2
Upper caption = Alternate cover
Type = single


Cover size =
Lower caption =

"Rag Doll" is a song by American hard rock band Aerosmith. It is from the 1987 album "Permanent Vacation". It was released as the final single from the album in 1988. It was written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Jim Vallance, and Holly Knight.

ong Origin

The song's lyrics were primarily written by Tyler and Vallance, Perry originating the guitar riff, and Vallance writing the bass line. The song was originally titled "Rag Time" but John Kalodner didn't like that, so Holly Knight was called in to help change that lyric. She suggested "Rag Doll", which was actually another title Steven and Jim thought of, but Holly ended up getting credits just for one word. Steven was horrified about this and often complained to his manager.

The "Yes I'm movin'" section is lifted from The Rolling Stones' 1965 recording of "I'm Movin' On," on which Keith Richards sings "Yes I'm movin'" with the same melody as on the Aerosmith record. [ [http://jimvallance.com/01-music-folder/songs-folder-may-27/pg-song-aaero-rag-dol.html Aerosmith - Rag Doll ] ]

Chart Performance

It peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, #12 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and #42 on the UK charts.

ong Structure

The song is notable for drummer Joey Kramer's 1-2-1-2 lead beat in the beginning of the song, saxophones, and Joe Perry's slide guitar. The song's lyrics go in sync with the song's melody.

The music on the radio single differed from the album version in having a more urgent, driving beat, fueled by Tom Hamilton's bass, and slightly different sax notes. This version had an earlier fadeout, omitting the classic one featuring the sax solo and Tyler's scat singing. The video (see below) is based on the album version of the song.

Music Video

The video flashes back and forth between an Aerosmith concert at Freedom Hall in Johnson City, TN and the band down on the streets of New Orleans. In the closing moments Steven Tyler is driving down Hamilton Street in Johnson City in an old Shelby Cobra.

References