Teddy Boy: Introduction

“Teddy Boy” is a Paul McCartney composition that is also on The Beatles’ “Anthology 3” album. Paul wrote the song while he was in India. A few acoustic versions exist, as they recorded the song 6 times while rehearsing for the “Let It Be” album. However, a composite version from two of those recordings became a song on the “Anthology 3” album.

In Detail

Publisher: Northern Songs Ltd.
Release Date: April 17, 1970
Recorded: January 24 & 28, 1969
Studio: Morgan Studios
Genre: Folk rock
Track Duration: 2:25
Record Label: Apple Records
Songwriter: Paul McCartney
Producer: Paul McCartney
Engineer: Glyn Johns

Performers And Instruments

Paul McCartney: vocals, also the acoustic guitar
John Lennon: vocals and acoustic Guitar
George Harrison: electric guitar
Ringo Starr: drums

Where To Find “Teddy Boy”

You can still buy a couple of different versions of this song because they are on the following albums:

Anthology 3 (1996)
Let It Be 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (2021)

Teddy Boy: Background

This song originates from the time when Paul McCartney was in India in 1968. Many ideas for songs came from the Rishikesh retreat at that time; however, he finished the song off when he got back to the UK.

The lyrics tell of a mother and son consoling each other after losing the boy’s father, who was a soldier in the war. The boy’s mother finds another man, which forces the boy to run away. However, the song could imply that there is some form of reconciliation between the mother and son.

Although musically lightweight, they perform the song in a light-hearted manner, and this is evident. In fact, about 40 seconds into “Teddy Boy,” Paul McCartney breaks out into a giggle, which is really funny.

Recording Studio

“Teddy Boy” was actually going to be Paul McCartney’s debut solo album. However, the Beatles did get together and record it quite a few times, despite the lack of interest from the other band members.

All in all, there were 6 takes on January 24, 1969. Then, on the 28th of January, they recorded a further two versions. The “Anthology 3” version is a mixture of the recordings from both of those days. On the Let It Be 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (2021), you get the Glyn Johns mix.

These recordings came from the Get Back/Let It era, and both Glyn Johns and Phil Spector had an attempt at mixing the song. So it’s obvious that, at some point, they thought it could be suitable material for the album. However, this was not to be, and the band never revived the song again.

Take A Listen

The following song is from the Anthology 3 album. This is the version where you hear Paul McCartney laughing. So, give it a go and let us know your thoughts below or in our massive Beatles Forum.