Red Ragtop
Encyclopedia
"Red Ragtop" is the title of a song written by Jason White and recorded by American country music
singer Tim McGraw
. It was released in September 2002 as the lead-off single on his 2002 album Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors. The song peaked at number 5 on the U.S. Billboard
Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in early 2003 and peaked at number 40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
that it was a song about an abortion but not an "abortion song." He went on to say that he was "trying to tell a story about a relationship that didn't work out, period."
, and some radio stations banned the song.
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
singer Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw
Samuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw is an American country singer and actor. Many of McGraw's albums and singles have topped the country music charts with total album sales in excess of 40 million units in the US, making him the eighth best-selling artist, and the third best-selling country singer, in the...
. It was released in September 2002 as the lead-off single on his 2002 album Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors. The song peaked at number 5 on the U.S. Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in early 2003 and peaked at number 40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Background and writing
The song was written by White in 1997 and released on his independent album in 2001. White told USA TodayUSA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
that it was a song about an abortion but not an "abortion song." He went on to say that he was "trying to tell a story about a relationship that didn't work out, period."
Content
The song's narrator recalls a past lover. He reflects on bittersweet memories from a youthful relationship, including a surprise pregnancy and the decision to get an abortion. This song was the subject of controversy due to the lyric that mentioned abortionAbortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
, and some radio stations banned the song.
Critical reception
Rick Cohoon of Allmusic reviewed the song favorably, saying that the song is "wistful enough to have you tearing up right along with him." Cohoon goes on to say that "a simple and memorable chorus surrounded by innovative lyrics make this a recipe for success."Chart positions
"Red Ragtop" debuted at number 34 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the chart week of September 21, 2002.| Chart (2002) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs | 5 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 40 |