
Jim Adams’ Song Lyric Sunday gives us the chance to share familiar, and sometimes not so familiar, songs. Jim has given us Odor /Scent /Smell /Taste this week to be included in the title or lyrics.
If you fancy sharing one of your favourite songs you can find out how to participate, and also listen to all the great entries, here.
This week I’m pondering on the final concert, and the final public performance, of The Beatles, Paul and Linda McCartney’s move to the Mull of Kintyre, and the beauty of that part of the world. I was fortunate to live in the Outer Hebrides for two years, based in Ballivanich, on the Isle of Benbecula. Wild, sparsely populated, enduring some tremendously strong winds and wild weather but beautiful, captivating, and instilling a sort of desert fever in those who are lucky enough to experience it.
The Beatles’ final paid concert of their career took place on 29 August 1966 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The band played to an audience of 25,000, leaving 7,000 tickets unsold. They had become disillusioned with live performances, singing the same songs time and again, unable to hear themselves playing. They had upset many fans with John’s statement that The Beatles were more popular than Jesus.
The Beatles’ rooftop concert on 30 January 1969 marked the end of an era for many fans. The group did record one more album, Abbey Road — on which work started the following month — but by September 1969 the Beatles had unofficially disbanded.
To save some money from the taxman and as a bolt hole from Beatlemania, Paul had, encouraged by then girlfriend Jane Asher, bought High Park Farm in Campbeltown, near Argyll’s Mull of Kintyre in 1968. But it was only when newly married to American Linda Eastman in 1969 that he decided to make it a home.
He said: “Going up to Scotland was real freedom. It was an escape – our means of finding a new direction in life and having time to think about what we really wanted to do.”
The farm, which was rustic to say the least, would become home to Linda’s daughter Heather and the couple’s first child Mary. Stella, now a top fashion designer, arrived in 1971.
But it was also the place where Paul’s next music project was born.
The new expanded editions of Wild Life and Red Rose Speedway include never-before-seen pictures of the McCartneys’ life in Campbeltown, which in time would inspire his love letter to the area – Mull of Kintyre – a 1977 Christmas No1.
They released the album ‘Ram’ together in 1971 and formed the band Wings in the same year. The couple were also nominated for an Oscar for their song ‘Live And Let Die’, the theme tune for the 1973 Bond film of the same name.
“When she came to Britain and we got to together the greatest thing about it was we both wanted to be free. We did what we wanted and she took pictures of it all.”
Linda McCartney died after a battle with breast cancer on April 17, 1998. She was 56 years old.
The song I’m offering is Heart of the Country from the album Ram released in 1971.
The video shows some great examples of the free and easy life in their dream home. A great place to raise their children, grow their own food, ride in deserted areas (UK horseriders may note they use American style saddles and tack), and generally enjoy life.
The song aint bad either!
If you want to see more then there is some lovely pics, and music, at the bottom of the lyrics.
I look high, I look low
I’m lookin’ everywhere I go
Lookin’ for a home
In the heart of the country
I’m gonna move, I’m gonna go
I’m gonna tell everyone I know
Lookin’ for a home
In the heart of the country
Heart of the country
Where the holy people grow
Heart of the country
Smell the grass in the meadow
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Want a horse, I want a sheep
I wanna get me a good night’s sleep
Living in a home
In the heart of the country
I’m gonna move, I’m gonna go
I’m gonna tell everyone I know
Livin’ in a home
In the heart of the country
Heart of the country
Where the holy people grow
Heart of the country
Smell the grass in the meadow
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Want a horse, I got a sheep
I’m gonna get me a good night’s sleep
Livin’ in a home
In the heart of the country
I’m gonna move, I’m gonna go
I’m gonna tell everyone I know
In the heart of the country
Heart of the country
Where the holy people grow
Heart of the country
Smell the grass in the meadow
Whoa, whoa, whoa
I was unfamiliar with this song and I loved reading about how they got there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A truly romantic pair, Paul and Linda. To see the joy of their lives together, and with their children, is marvellous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they were. A beautiful thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never heard that one before. I like the lyrics. The Hebrides is one of those places I know I would love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I think you would!
LikeLike
I always liked Linda McCartney as she seemed so wholesome and normal to me unlike many of the other rock stars. Thanks for adding that video at the bottom Peter, as I really enjoyed watching and listening to it. If I get a horse and a sheep, will I get a good night’s sleep?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Guaranteed! You’ll get lots of exercise, fresh air, reciprocated love, and you’ll collapse into a satisfied sleep at the end of the day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had no idea about the back story for that song and I am very glad you shared it. I spent a week on Skye, one that came back to me with ease as I read and listened.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Skye is a bit overcrowded by comparison!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In 1974 it was blissfully open and uncrowded. I know that my mom and brother went to Lewis for a rougher experience than mine on Skye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful song choice, Peter! 🙂 An enjoyable song! A beautiful love story! 🙂
I heard a radio interview recently…Paul talking about his new album, McCartney III…and, also, talking about so many memories of his life. He even spoke of Linda. 🙂
Time spent outdoors and time spent with animals makes life so sweet!
HUGS!!! 🙂
PS…Hope you all had a lovely Christmas! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been ill over Christmas so we had a very subdued break.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry to hear you’ve been ill.
Hope you are feeling better now.
(((HUGS)))
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Carolyn. Not fully recovered yet. Hoping to make an appointment with my doctor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe in prayers and meditations…so I will add you to them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 😻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just stopping by to check in on you.
Hope you are feeling better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much better thanks Carolyn. I’ve resumed my morning walks and have taken up my cooking duties again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH, good! Those are both important things! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Peter. This was a treat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was madly in love with Paul McCartney for at least a few years – mainly because I thought he was so handsome. Shallow but true. I’m glad he and Linda had such a nice life together. His second wife was dreadful, but I think his third wife is okay, although I think the jury is still out. As always, this was a great post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know very little about his current wife but have just been reading about her. Quite a sucessful businesswoman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that bodes well. I sure hope so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH MY GOSH. PETER!!!! I Love this post soooo much. Wow. I did know these songs but had never seen any of this footage. Sigh. AMAZING!!! Thank You! ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Katy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖
LikeLiked by 1 person