Saturday, February 14, 2009

Beatles Song: I Dig A Pony

The relevant fact for this Beatles song is that it is apparently a reference to Yoko One, as evidenced by the line "All I Want is You." It is the merging of two different Lennon songs: "All I Want Is You" and "Dig a Pony." The latter title appears on the U.S. version, while the former was the original title for the UK Apple listing.

The track was recorded at Apple Studios on January 22 and 28. Some sources say that final recording issued represents the performance given on the rooftop at Saville Row on January 30, 1969. Lennon believed the song to be "garbage" even though fans and critics think it to be one of the best songs on the album.

Lennon sings lead and McCartney provides harmony. Lennon plays lead (he was doing so regularly on his compositions at the time), Harrison rhythm, McCartney bass, Starr drums, and Billy Preston organ.

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1 comment:

  1. JJMarch 16, 2009 at 8:17 AM

    Here is a song that defies description. Dig a Pony, however, is definitely one of the better songs on a classic album full of memorable numbers. I say that as a one who usually prefers the melody-rich songs of McCartney over Lennon. But, my appreciation for the genius of Lennon increases with time.

    Compare McCartney's "Silly Love Song" (years later) with Lennon's silly love song in "Dig a Pony." Yes, McCartney has a number one hit (again). But, Dig a Pony stays with you. You want to hear it again. And yes, the lyrics are mostly non-sense verse, but, the emotion and the guitar builds brings us to the only crucial line, "All I want it you!"

    IF I may, the reason we still listen to this innovative group: while not simply pitching the history which their music is based, they allowed creative genius to inform their music. Dig a Pony is one example of a silly love song that simply works.

    JJ

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