The Beatles - Get Back
"Get Back" by The Beatles stands as one of the most significant singles of 1969 and represents the band's attempt to return to their rock and roll roots during a turbulent period. The song began as a satirical and critical look at attitudes towards immigrants in Britain, with Paul McCartney intending to parody the negative attitudes that were prevalent among politicians and the press. However, the final version evolved into a more straightforward rock song with fictional characters. The genesis of "Get Back" dates to the morning of January 7, when Paul introduced the song prior to John's arrival, a moment captured in the later documentary series. Written by McCartney, though credited to Lennon-McCartney, John Lennon described "Get Back" as "a better version of Lady Madonna. You know, a potboiler rewrite". The song was recorded during the January 1969 sessions at Twickenham Film Studios and later at Apple Studios, which were being filmed for what would eventually become the Let It Be documentary.
The recording featured a notable addition to The Beatles' lineup. It was the only Beatles single to include an accompanying artist's name, crediting "Get Back/Don't Let Me Down" to "The Beatles with Billy Preston", who played electric piano on the track. The Beatles performed "Get Back" as part of their rooftop performance on the roof of Apple Studios in Savile Row, London, on 30 January 1969. During the third performance, which marked the end of the rooftop performance, the Beatles were interrupted by the police, who had received complaints from office workers nearby, but Harrison insisted they finish the song. This impromptu concert would become one of the most iconic moments in rock history and served as The Beatles' final public performance together.
The commercial success of "Get Back" was immediate and impressive. On 11 April 1969, Apple Records released "Get Back" as a single in the UK, and it held the number one position for six weeks, becoming the first Beatles single to enter the official UK singles chart at the top. In the US, "Get Back" hit number one, where it stayed for five weeks, becoming the band's 17th number one song on Billboard, matching Elvis Presley's previous record of 17 number ones. Apple launched a print ad campaign for the song with the slogan "The Beatles as Nature Intended," indicating that the sound of "Get Back" harked to the group's earlier days. The song later appeared on the Let It Be album in 1970, which became the band's final studio album release following their breakup, cementing "Get Back" as both a return to basics and a poignant farewell to the group's remarkable career.
The Beatles Get Back Lyrics
Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner
But he knew it couldn't last
Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona
For some California grass
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back Jojo
Go home
Get back, get back
Back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Back to where you once belonged, yeah
Oh, get back, Jo
Sweet Loretta Martin thought she was a woman
But she was another man
All the girls around her say she's got it coming
But she gets it while she can
Oh, get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back Loretta, woo, woo
Go home
Oh, get back, yeah, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Yeah, get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Ooh
Ooh, ooh
Get back, Loretta
Your mommy's waitin' for you
Wearin' her high-heel shoes
And a low-neck sweater
Get back home, Loretta
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Oh, get back, get back
Get back, oh yeah