Raggedy Ann

“Raggedy Ann” by Ryan Dsouza is a bluesy reggae roots-inspired story song about resilience, hardship, and dignity through struggle. Featuring soulful vocals, blues guitar riffs, reggae rhythm grooves, and cinematic storytelling visuals.

“Raggedy Ann” was inspired by songwriter John Wills’ vision of a homeless woman living life on her own terms — not defined by hardship, but by resilience, dignity, and quiet strength. The song portrays a character worn by circumstance yet unbroken, challenging assumptions about struggle and identity. Written in a stylized dialect to reflect the character’s voice and lived experience, the lyrics immerse listeners directly into her world. One notable reference, “Mad dog ‘e wait at de corna,” refers to MD 20/20 (“Mad Dog”), a low-cost fortified wine associated with street survival and hardship, adding depth and realism to the narrative. Musically, “Raggedy Ann” blends reggae and blues influences into a soulful reggae-blues fusion set in G minor at 78 BPM. The production combines reggae-inspired rhythm guitar, organ, piano, and expressive lead guitar phrasing to create an emotional, cinematic atmosphere. Vocally, the performance style and subtle accent were intentionally adapted to complement the lyrical character and reggae roots feel of the song. At its core, “Raggedy Ann” is a story about perspective, humanity, and the strength that can exist beneath outward appearances.

Verse One She be set at de rim o’ de curb De end of da 3 dolla day Mad dog ‘e wait at de corna He be lightin’ de fire in she brain She cardboard castle be waitin’ Up under de oberpas Where she be lay down da bones ‘opin de darkness don’ last Chorus : Raggedy Ann dey call she Do Ann neber ha be she name But ‘ow she dress me mus confess Gotsa be partly to blame She sit wit she cup on de sidewalk She sign sittin right at de side ‘opin to get me some pennies So de wine take she for da ride Verse two She be like you in de pas tense Struggling to lib ebry day Knowin’ wit all o’ de obertime Der’ still be bills she can’t pay De straw finally bring down dis camel She las’ nerve be finally plucked She passion fo’ life it be broken She not be jus’ down on de luck Chorus Raggedy Ann dey call she Do Ann neber ha be she name But ‘ow she dress me mus confess Gotsa be partly to blame She sit wit she cup on de sidewalk She sign sittin right at de side ‘opin to get me some pennies So de wine take she for da ride Solo Instrumental Chorus Raggedy Ann dey call she Do Ann neber ha be she name But ‘ow she dress me mus confess Gotsa be partly to blame She sit wit she cup on de sidewalk She sign sittin right at de side ‘opin to get me some pennies So de wine take she for da ride

Written by

John W Selleck

Produced by

Ryan Dsouza