The lyrics of "Little Maggie" tell the story of a man lamenting the loss of a woman named Maggie, who has moved on to court another man. The protagonist expresses his love for Maggie and his sadness at seeing her with someone else.

Meaning of "Little Maggie" by Barbara Dane

"Little Maggie" is a traditional folk song that delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and loss. The protagonist, who is deeply in love with Maggie, grapples with the pain of seeing her with another man. The imagery of Maggie holding a rifle and a six-shooter suggests that she is a strong and independent woman, contrasting with the gentle and loving image the protagonist paints of her. The lyrics also touch on themes of escapism, as the protagonist dreams of leaving to a far-distant land to escape the heartache. The reference to Maggie drinking her troubles away implies that she too is trying to alleviate her pain through other means. The song captures the complex emotions of love, loss, and moving on, highlighting the universal experiences of heartbreak and unrequited love.