Mattie's Rag

Album: City To City (1978)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Gerry Rafferty wrote the 6th track on his monster City To City album for his daughter, Martha. In the 1970s, like a lot of music people, especially songwriters, Rafferty was embroiled in legal disputes, and this necessitated his commuting to London from his native Scotland. "Mattie's Rag" is a sort of Daddy's home song for his return to see his daughter.
  • The song was released as a single backed by "Home And Dry" and in another release as the B-side of "City To City," one version running 4:09, and another to 5:35. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Reg from Kemptville, OnOn the City to City vinyl Mattie's Rag is listed at 3 minutes 26 seconds.
    Short but chatchy! (Almost an ear worm.)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.