The Beatles – Come and Get It
Ah, Come and Get It, a curious little gem nestled within the vast tapestry of The Beatles’ discography. While not finding its home on a studio album by the Fab Four themselves, the song holds a fascinating position in their creative timeline and serves as a testament to the songwriting prowess of Paul McCartney.
Background
Released in 1969, Come and Get It found its way onto the soundtrack of the film “The Magic Christian,” a quirky comedy starring Peter Sellers. The track’s origins, however, lie not in the context of a film score, but rather in a late-night burst of inspiration for McCartney. As recounted in The Beatles Bible (https://www.beatlesbible.com/), Paul, unable to sleep, grabbed his home reel-to-reel recorder and captured the melody that would become Come and Get It. This raw demo, a one-man performance featuring piano, vocals, and maracas, became the foundation for the final track.
Interestingly, the recording session for Come and Get It took place at Abbey Road Studios during the iconic sessions for the Let It Be… album. While the song was initially considered for inclusion, it ultimately found a different path. This decision, however, sheds light on the creative abundance The Beatles were experiencing at this time. Let It Be… is an album brimming with strong material, and the fact that Come and Get It didn’t make the cut speaks volumes about the sheer quality of songs being generated by the band.
However, the story of Come and Get It doesn’t end there. Recognizing the song’s potential, Paul, ever the champion of burgeoning talent, decided to present it to another band: Badfinger. Formerly known as The Iveys, Badfinger was a group signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records label. McCartney produced the final version of Come and Get It for Badfinger, staying remarkably faithful to his original demo. This act of generosity proved pivotal for Badfinger’s career. Released as a single in late 1969, Come and Get It became their breakthrough hit, reaching the top 10 in both the UK and US charts. The song’s infectious energy and McCartney’s signature pop sensibilities resonated with audiences, forever linking Come and Get It with Badfinger’s name.
So, while Come and Get It may not be a “true” Beatles song, its connection to the band and Paul McCartney in particular is undeniable. It stands as a testament to their creative wellspring and their willingness to nurture new talent. The track itself is a delightful slice of pop perfection, a burst of sunshine with a driving beat and a memorable melody. It’s a reminder that some of the most enduring music can emerge from unexpected places, late-night inspiration striking a chord that would resonate for decades to come.