Golden Slumbers: Introduction

“Golden Slumbers” is a Beatles’ song on their 1969 album, “Abbey Road.”

In Detail

Release Date: September 26, 1969
Recorded: July 2, 3, 30 & 31; and August 15, 1969
Studio: EMI Studios, London
Genre: Art rock
Track Duration: 1:31
Record Label: Apple Records
Songwriters: Lennon-McCartney
Producer: George Martin
Engineers: Geoff Emerick, Phil McDonald

Performers And Instruments

Orchestral Arranger: George Martin

Uncredited: twelve violins, four violas, four cellos, double bass, four horns, three trumpets, trombone, bass trombone

Where To Find “Golden Slumbers”

You can still buy this song on the following album:

Abbey Road (1969)

Golden Slumbers: Background

Written by Paul McCartney but credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, “Golden Slumbers” is the sixth song in the long medley on the famous “Abbey Road” album. The song is based on a poem, “Cradle Song,” by the English writer, dramatist, and pamphleteer Thomas Dekker (1572–1632).

One day, McCartney was at his father’s Liverpool home when he saw sheet music for the poem. This was on a piano that his stepsister, Ruth, was playing previously. However, McCartney was unable to read music, at least not in this format. So, he set about creating his own composition for the words.

“I was playing the piano in Liverpool in my dad’s house, and my stepsister Ruth’s piano book was up on the stand. I was flicking through it, and I came to Golden Slumbers, [but] I can’t read music, and I couldn’t remember the old tune, so I just started playing my own tune to it. I liked the words, so I kept them, and it fitted with another bit of song I had.”
Paul McCartney
Anthology

In all likelihood, McCartney already had the idea for a lullaby after John Lennon previously wrote “Good Night” in 1968. Therefore, it is safe to say that he was easily able to adapt “Cradle Song” to suit his idea.

Recording Studio

John Lennon was recovering from a road traffic accident while on holiday in Scotland, so he took no part in the recording. However, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr continued recording in his absence.

They recorded 15 takes in Studio Two of the EMI Studios, London, during the 3.00pm–9.30pm session. The final rhythm track came the next day from a composite edit of takes 13 and 15. Paul McCartney recorded his vocals for the overdubbing on the 30th and 31st of July. Then, on August 15, they added the orchestral arrangements from George Martin.

Just to point out that they recorded “Golden Slumbers” together with “Carry That Weight” in one go. Obviously, the latter finishes off the long medley of short songs on the “Abbey Road” album.

Take A Listen

Finally, what are your thoughts about this song?