The Song That Nearly Died
Gordon Bagshaw
Award-winning illustrator | comic strip writer {Dog Laughs} | & seasoned private English teacher who helps people laugh their way to improved communication skills.
Paul leaned back from the Blüthner grand piano and ran his hands through his hair. He looked up, fixing his gaze on the textured ceiling as though searching for answers within its intricate patterns. George? was fidgeting with the strings of his guitar cradled in his arms. John, stationed on the bass, gnawed on his bandaged index finger with a far-off look in his eyes, as if lost in a deep daydream. And Ringo, exhausted, stretched his arms while sitting behind his kit, which was concealed by a drum shield. They all seemed to be waiting for a guest—a muse, a spark of inspiration—to rescue them. A gentle incomplete piano chord progression filled the room, accompanied by nonsensical gibberish serving as melodic placeholders. No sooner had they started than they came to a full stop. Tension mounted inside Paul, reminiscent of the struggle to start a car with a dead battery. Was it the pressure of an upcoming show that was constantly being delayed? Perhaps it was the role of leader that seemed to fall on him by default.?
Relationships among the Fab Four were a mess during a time when they were searching for that perfect harmony, but it wasn’t there. I had always thought that musical inspiration simply fell on the Beatles like rain in a tropical season. However, on this particular day in January 1969, there was a drought.
Today, you and I stand on the other side of history, we know the song well. If you’re like me, well into your 50s, perhaps this song brings back childhood memories. It would be the sort of song that would come on the car radio, and my dad would manage to get all the lyrics wrong, but sing them nonetheless in perfect harmony with Paul. Man, I miss his voice. Over its existence, more than 18 artists, including Ray Charles with the Count Basie Orchestra, Aretha Franklin, and George Benson, have covered it—a testament to its enduring love. It's astonishing to think that this song almost met its end. Because back on that day, Paul rubbed his eyes in frustration, admitting, “I can’t sort of think how to do this one at all, you know. Just… My mind is a blank on it. I don’t know.” Then, the unthinkable happened. He uttered, "I give up.”
Peter Jackson’s documentary series, 'Get Back,' provides no answers on how Paul and the others managed to make it rain again. We only know that they did, and 'The Long And Winding Road' has always been one of my favorite songs by them. Now, I appreciate it even more, because Paul’s struggle left me with a question to reflect on. Is there an unfinished song in my life? What is left undone? To what project have I said, 'I give up,' and the world may never experience it?
Some food for thought as we finish 2023 and move toward a new year with hopes of fulfillment. If you have an unfinished song in your life that you want to complete, here are some tips.
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Do you have an unfinished song? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Are you searching for a private English teacher? www.gbenglishclass.com
You can catch Paul McCartney live in concert tonight [Dec. 16 at 21h15] on Disney+ or Star+.
#ProductivityJourney #FinishWhatYouStart #GetBackChallenge #aulasdeingles