Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Happiness Is a Warm Gun

This Lennon composition was issued on the Beatles' White Album. Parts of it ("I need a fix ...") can be heard on Anthology from an early recording Lennon made with just an acoustic guitar. A fascinating fact was that Lennon got the idea for the song because he saw a picture of a smoking gun on the cover of a gun magazine. "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" was the name of the accompanying article in the magazine. It is the combination of three different Lennon songs.

Lennon considered it one of his best songs, although it was banned by the BBC because of sexually suggestive lyrics. The song was recorded on September 23 and 24, 1968 at Abbey Road, combining the best two versions from over forty-five takes for the final mix. McCartney and Harrison both claimed it was one of their favorite songs from the double LP.

Lennon sings lead, and MccCrtney and Harrison do backing vocals. Lennon played lead, Harrison rhythm, McCartney bass, and Starr drums.

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