Written by: Lennon-McCartney
Recorded: 2, 3, 4, 30, 31 July; 15 August 1969
Producer: George Martin
Engineers: Geoff Emerick, Phil McDonald
Released: 26 September 1969 (UK), 1 October 1969 (US)
Available on: Abbey Road
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“Golden Slumbers” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1969 album Abbey Road. Written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney, it is the sixth song of the album’s climactic B-side medley. The song is followed by “Carry That Weight” and begins the progression that leads to the end of the album. The two songs were recorded together as a single piece, and both contain strings and brass arranged and scored by producer George Martin.
“Golden Slumbers” is based on the poem “Cradle Song” from the play Patient Grissel, a lullaby by the dramatist Thomas Dekker. McCartney saw sheet music for “Cradle Song” at his father’s home in Liverpool, left on a piano by his stepsister Ruth. Unable to read music, he created his own music. McCartney uses the first stanza of the original poem, with minor word changes, adding to it a single lyric line repeated with minor variation.
The song is a gentle lullaby, with a soft melody and McCartney’s soothing vocals. The lyrics describe a person falling asleep, surrounded by images of nature and beauty. The song’s dreamy atmosphere is enhanced by the strings and brass arrangement, which creates a sense of peace and tranquility.
“Golden Slumbers” is one of the most beloved songs from Abbey Road, and it has been covered by many artists over the years. It is a classic example of McCartney’s songwriting skills, and it is a song that continues to resonate with listeners today.
The song is often interpreted as a metaphor for death, with the “golden slumbers” representing the peace and tranquility of the afterlife. However, McCartney has said that he did not intend the song to have any specific meaning, and that he simply wanted to write a beautiful lullaby.
Regardless of its interpretation, “Golden Slumbers” is a beautiful and moving song that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. It is a fitting end to one of the greatest albums ever made.
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Lyrics
Once, there was a way to get back home
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullabyGolden slumbers fill your eyes
Smiles awake you when you rise
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby
Once, there was a way to get back homeward
Once, there was a way to get back home
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby