Number 11 - Early 1970

Beatle involvement: 

George and Ringo

Listenability: 4.5 out of 5

A humorous ditty written by Ringo about the four individual Beatles. The first verse is about Paul, the second about John, the third about George. The fourth verse is about Ringo. According to sleave notes on the 1991 re-release of the ‘Ringo’ album it was recorded on March 8^th 1970 with Ringo producing the song and playing acoustic guitar as well as drums. The sleeve notes also state that the ‘other guitars were played by George Harrison’. Originally it was released as the B side to ‘It don’t come easy’. George’s slide guitar throughout the song adds to its charm. 

What they said about it:

Ringo:

“I also wrote a song called ‘Early 1970’ which was all about the other three and about what was happening. ‘Pattie was in the garden picking daises for George’s soup and when he comes to town, I know he’s going to play with me.’ John was in bed eating cookies but when he comes to town, I know he’s going to play with me.’ ‘Paul lives on a farm – he’s got plenty of sheep, or something, but when he comes to town I wonder if he’ll play with me.’ Taken from ‘Postcards From the Boys. P. 53.

“It was a time when Paul was angry at us. So if you listen to the song, it says . . .  about John, ‘When he comes to town, I know he’s going to play with me.’ George’s ‘long-legged lady . . . and when he comes to town, I know he’s going to play.’ And then Paul: ‘And I hope he’s going to play with me,’ because I didn’t know if he would, but that’s how it happened.” Source: Rolling Stone article, 'Being Ringo: A Beatle’s All-Starr Life', 15 April 2015