The Back-Burner: Aerosmith Outtakes & Demos

“Major Barbara” stands as one of Aerosmith’s most intriguing and elusive tracks—a song that, despite its early prominence in the band’s repertoire, remained unreleased on a studio album for years. This Steven Tyler composition not only showcases a different facet of the band’s musicality but also reflects the tensions and decisions that shaped Aerosmith’s early career.

In the nascent days of Aerosmith, “Major Barbara” was a staple in their live performances. It was a song that Steven Tyler had been nurturing, and it found its genesis alongside other early tracks like “Movin’ Out” and “One Way Street.” Tyler recalled, “I remember the songs we were getting together a lot better. ‘Movin’ Out’ and ‘One Way Street’ were written at 1325. We had ‘Somebody,’ ‘Mama Kin,’ and ‘Major Barbara.'”

The song’s initial recording took place on May 20, 1971, at the Power Station studio in New York. Joe Perry mentioned that they often played “Major Barbara” as an acoustic number during rehearsals and live shows. He reflected, “We slammed into our first song, ‘Make It,’ and got the crowd going. At one point we did a tune we called ‘Major Barbara,’ for which Steven, on harp, and I, on lap steel, sat side by side.”

However, this acoustic approach wasn’t well-received by everyone. Management, particularly Steve Paul, was critical of the band slowing down their set with a song that deviated from the hard rock energy they were becoming known for. Tom Hamilton noted, “I was surprised how much the audience liked us. There was a lot of applause, but as we came off I hear Steve Paul yelling at Steven and Joe because they sat down to play ‘Major Barbara.’ Only big stars like the Stones or Zeppelin were supposed to sit down and play acoustic music during a rock show.”

Steve Paul’s frustration was palpable. Steven Tyler recounted a heated exchange: “As we got off the stage, Steve Paul pulled me to the side of the stage and gave me a lobe full. ‘Don’t you ever sit down at a show that I book!’ Years later, I was out at Steve Paul’s house with my first wife, Cyrinda. ‘I have to tell you something, Steven,’ he said. ‘If it hadn’t been for that stupid stunt where you and Joe sat down on the stage during “Major Barbara,” I’d have become your manager.’ Joke’s on you, Steve!”

The band’s decision to perform “Major Barbara” in this manner was a testament to their artistic instincts, even if it clashed with industry expectations. Joe Perry defended their choice, saying, “We weren’t sure of really anything except making an impression and getting our songs right… By the end of the gig we’d won the respect of the crew and our fellow musicians. We got some nice compliments, even from Steve Paul.”

Despite its significance in their early live sets, “Major Barbara” faced hurdles when it came to studio releases. During the sessions for their debut album, the song was recorded but ultimately left off the final tracklist. Steven Tyler reflected on this decision: “At the end of recording, we had eight tracks. Then we decided not to use ‘Major Barbara,’ which made it seven, so we cut Rufus Thomas’s ‘Walkin’ the Dog’ and made it eight songs for a running time of just under thirty-six minutes.”

Tom Hamilton provided further insight into the song’s sidelining: “It was a beautiful song that kept being pushed down the line for other better ones.” For the next four albums, “Major Barbara” was considered but never made the cut. The reasons were multifaceted. Musically, the song’s softer, more acoustic nature contrasted with the hard rock sound that Aerosmith was cultivating. Lyrically, it diverged from the band’s typical themes of raunch and swagger. The contemplative lyrics tell the story of Major Barbara tending to her fields, waiting for her crops to grow—a metaphorical narrative that differed from Aerosmith’s usual fare.

The song’s exclusion wasn’t just a matter of stylistic fit but also strategic considerations within the music industry. After presenting their debut album to CBS executive Kip Cohen, the band faced a stark reality. Tyler recalled Cohen’s reaction: “He looked at us and said, ‘There’s no single on this.’ That’s when my heart sank and I knew we were in for a rough ride with our record company.”

“Major Barbara” remained unreleased until 1986 when a “re-touched” version from the Get Your Wings sessions was included on the “Classics Live” album. However, this release didn’t satisfy Tyler. He lamented the production choices, stating that the vocals were so high it sounded like he was “in the Alps” due to the track being sped up. To rectify this, the original 1971 demo was released in 1991 as part of the “Pandora’s Box” compilation. This move was an effort to present the song in a form closer to its original conception, allowing fans to experience it as the band had intended.

The lyrical content of “Major Barbara” remains a point of interest. The song opens with vivid imagery:

“Major Barbara sits in her fields
And waits for her crops to grow
She sits in a chair that she made outta wood
So many, many, many years ago”

This pastoral scene is a departure from Aerosmith’s signature style. The song delves into themes of patience, hope, and the passage of time. The chorus poses a poignant question:

“Major, why won’t they grow?
You’ve given them water and hope
Major, why won’t they grow?”

Such introspective lyrics showcase a different side of Tyler’s songwriting—a side that perhaps didn’t align with the band’s hard-driving rock image at the time.

In hindsight, “Major Barbara” represents a fascinating “what if” in Aerosmith’s history. It highlights the tensions between artistic expression and commercial considerations. The band’s willingness to experiment with acoustic performances and divergent themes early in their career speaks to their versatility and depth as artists. Yet, the pressures of the music industry and the desire to establish a strong, cohesive identity led to the song’s prolonged absence from their official discography.

Reflecting on those early days, Steven Tyler mused, “Looking back, it was a ballsy thing to do… sitting down. Nowadays, you call that an acoustic set. Unplugged. We just sat down so Joe could play slide on his guitar. It was very ahead of its time.”

“Major Barbara” may not have become a mainstream hit or a staple of Aerosmith’s albums, but it remains a cherished piece among fans and a testament to the band’s rich musical tapestry. Its eventual release allowed it to find its place in the broader narrative of Aerosmith’s legacy—a reminder of the band’s roots and the roads not taken.