“Rocky Raccoon” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1968 double album The Beatles (also known as the White Album). It was primarily written by Paul McCartney, although credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. McCartney began writing the song in Rishikesh, India, where the Beatles were studying Transcendental Meditation in the early months of 1968. John Lennon and Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan, who joined the Beatles on their retreat, also made contributions to the song.
The song is a country ballad about a cowboy named Rocky Raccoon who is shot by his wife’s lover, Daniel, while in bed. Rocky survives and sets off to seek revenge, but he is ambushed by Daniel and his friends, who knock him unconscious. The song ends with Rocky waking up in the hospital, where he is reunited with his wife.
“Rocky Raccoon” is a humorous song, but it also has a darker side. The song deals with themes of betrayal, violence, and revenge. It is also a commentary on the American West and the myth of the cowboy.
The song was recorded in London in June and July 1968. McCartney played the lead vocal and acoustic guitar, with Lennon on harmonica, George Harrison on electric guitar, and Ringo Starr on drums. The song was released on The Beatles in November 1968.
“Rocky Raccoon” has been covered by a number of artists, including Richie Havens, Elvis Costello, and the Grateful Dead. It is a popular song among Beatles fans and has been praised for its catchy melody, witty lyrics, and unique country sound.
In 2009, “Rocky Raccoon” was remastered and released on the CD box set The Beatles in Mono.
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Lyrics
Now somewhere in the Black Mountain Hills of Dakota
There lived a young boy named Rocky Raccoon.
And one day his woman ran off with another guy.
Hit young Rocky in the eye Rocky didn’t like that.
He said “I’m gonna get that boy.”
So one day he walked into town
Booked himself a room in the local saloon.
Rocky Raccoon checked into his room,
Only to find Gideon’s Bible.
Rocky had come, equipped with a gun,
To shoot off the legs of his rival.
His rival, it seems, had broken his dreams,
By stealing the girl of his fancy.
Her name was Magill, and she called herself Lil,
But ev’ryone knew her as Nancy.
Now she and her man, who called himself Dan,
Were in the next room at the hoedown.
Rocky burst in, and grinning a grin,
He said, “Danny boy, this is a showdown.”
But Daniel was hot, he drew first and shot,
And Rocky collapsed in the corner.
Now, the doctor came in, stinking of gin,
And proceeded to lie on the table.
He said, “Rocky, you met your match,”
And Rocky said, “Doc, it’s only a scratch,
And I’ll be better, I’ll be better, Doc, as soon as I am able”
Now Rocky Raccoon, he fell back in his room,
Only to find Gideon’s Bible.
Gideon checked out and he left it no doubt
To help with good Rocky’s revival.