You know that feeling when you hear a song and you're 100% sure you know who wrote it? That raspy, soulful delivery on Rod Stewart Handbags and Gladrags is so iconic that most people just assume it’s a Rod original. It fits him like a well-worn leather jacket. But the reality is a bit more complicated, and honestly, way more interesting.
The song wasn't birthed in a smoky studio session by Rod himself. It actually came from the brain of Mike d’Abo, who was the lead singer of Manfred Mann at the time. He wrote it in 1967. Think about that for a second. While the summer of love was peaking, d'Abo was writing a fairly cynical—or maybe just incredibly grounded—critique of consumerism and shallow fashion trends.
He didn't give it to Rod first, either.
The Chris Farlowe Prequel
Before Rod got his hands on it, a soulful singer named Chris Farlowe recorded the first version. It was a modest hit in the UK, reaching number 33. It had this bluesy, orchestral vibe that was cool, but it didn't quite set the world on fire the way later versions would.
Rod actually wanted the song way back then. He was basically a "nobody" in the industry, just a guy with a great voice and a lot of ambition. He approached d'Abo in '67, but d'Abo was already committed to the Farlowe version. Rod had to wait. He eventually circled back in 1969 when he finally landed a solo deal.
That's when the magic happened.
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Why the Rod Stewart Handbags and Gladrags Version Just Hits Different
When Rod finally got into the studio to record it for his debut album, An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down (released as The Rod Stewart Album in the US), he didn't just sing it. He inhabited it.
The arrangement is sparse where it needs to be and explosive where it counts. Mike d’Abo actually played the piano on this version, which is probably why the piano hook is so inseparable from the vocal. It has this rolling, slightly melancholy feel that sets the stage perfectly for Rod’s "sandpaper-and-honey" vocals.
A Slow Burn Success
Surprisingly, the song wasn't an instant smash. It didn't even chart in the US when it first came out in 1970. It took a re-release in 1972, following the massive success of "Maggie May," for the public to catch on. It eventually peaked at 42 on the Billboard Hot 100.
But chart positions don't tell the whole story.
Over the decades, this specific recording became the "definitive" version. It’s the one that evokes that 70s folk-rock nostalgia. It’s raw. It feels like a guy sitting on a barstool telling you the hard truth about life.
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Decoding the Lyrics: What’s a "Gladrag" Anyway?
If you’ve ever sung along to the chorus, you’ve probably wondered what the heck a gladrag is. Basically, it’s old British slang for your "best clothes"—the stuff you wear when you're going out to party or impress someone.
The song is essentially a lecture to a young girl who is obsessed with status symbols.
- The Blind Man: The opening line about the blind man crossing the road sets a somber, philosophical tone. It’s about perspective.
- The Granddad Factor: The lyric "That your poor old Granddad had to sweat to buy you" is the gut punch. It’s about the disconnect between the hard work of previous generations and the frivolous spending of the youth.
- The Message: It’s not a mean-spirited song. It’s more of a "hey, look deeper" message. d’Abo has said he was trying to tell a teenage girl that happiness isn’t found in being trendy.
It’s kind of ironic that a song about the emptiness of fashion became a staple for Rod Stewart, a man who became world-famous for his flamboyant style, spandex, and, well, gladrags.
The Office Connection
You can’t talk about this song without mentioning The Office. For a whole new generation, "Handbags and Gladrags" isn't a Rod Stewart song or a Chris Farlowe song—it's the theme to David Brent’s life.
The version used in the BBC show was arranged by Big George and sung by Fin. It captured that "tragicomic" essence of the show perfectly. It sounds grand and important, which is exactly how David Brent sees himself, but the lyrics are about being stripped of your pretenses, which is exactly what happens to Brent in every episode.
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Interestingly, Stereophonics also did a massive cover of it around the same time (2001). Kelly Jones has a raspy voice that’s often compared to Rod’s, so the transition felt natural. Their version actually charted higher in the UK than Rod’s did!
Collecting and Listening: Where to Start
If you're looking to dive into the history of this track, don't just stick to the Spotify "This Is Rod Stewart" playlist. There’s a lot of texture to find elsewhere.
- The Original 1969 Recording: Look for the album An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down. This is the rawest, most authentic version.
- MTV Unplugged (1993): Rod revisited the song for his Unplugged... and Seated album. It’s a bit more polished, but his voice is still incredible.
- The Royal Philharmonic Version (2019): If you want something cinematic, Rod re-recorded his vocals over an orchestral arrangement. It's lush, though some purists prefer the grit of the original.
The song has been covered by everyone from Engelbert Humperdinck to Chase (a jazz-rock fusion band). Each version brings a different flavor, but they all owe a debt to that 1969 Rod Stewart session.
The Actionable Takeaway for Music Fans
Next time you’re listening to Rod Stewart Handbags and Gladrags, pay attention to the piano. That’s the composer himself, Mike d'Abo, laying down the foundation. It’s a rare moment where the writer and the "definitive" interpreter collaborated perfectly to create something that outlasted the trends it was criticizing.
If you want to truly appreciate the song, try listening to the Chris Farlowe version and the Stereophonics version back-to-back with Rod's. You'll hear how a great song can be "dressed up" in different ways but still keep its heart.
To dig deeper into the 70s rock transition, look up the personnel on Rod’s debut album. You’ll find names like Ronnie Wood and Ian McLagan. It’s essentially a "proto-Faces" record, which explains why it has that loose, soulful, slightly drunken energy that made 70s rock so special.
Check out the original vinyl pressings if you can find them; the Mercury "Green Label" US pressings or the Vertigo "Swirl" UK pressings have a warmth that digital remasters often lose.