Happy Birthday Paul McCartney

Happy 70^th Birthday to Paul McCartney. He has given us quite a few songs to remember in his 6 decade career as one of the most prolific songwriters of our time. This little gem, originally released on the album “Revolver” in 1966, is performed here solo by Mr. McCartney for his 1984 film “Give My Regards to Broad Street.” That movie is based on the premise that he is about to finish the final touches on his latest album, only to find that the master tapes are missing, or have been stolen. On the original album version from 1966, the song is done with piano and a French horn. In this take there is only Mr. McCartney and his guitar. The French horns are recreated vocally in a really beautiful way.

In many ways Mr. McCartney was the creative force behind the Beatles. Although John Lennon was the founder of the group, it was McCartney who came up with so many of the ideas which defined the band. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was his idea. That was a great success.  “Magical Mystery Tour” was also his idea; maybe not a good one; undertaken just after the death of their manager Brian Epstein, when the group was temporarily without a rudder.

This song is easily played on the guitar using basic chords, beginning with a C and Em. The rest is all centered about Am and a variation of Cm. You just have to play with it a bit. If I remember correctly, this was the 2^nd song on the first side of the album, which was released in the United States in the fall of 1966, just after the Beatles had finished their last live tour.

Still touring today, at age 70, Mr. McCartney continues to thrill audiences everywhere he performs. He can rock and roll with the best of them; and when he feels like it; he can still move the audience with a beautiful ballad. Many Happy returns to him, and thanks for the music!