Band on the Run

Band on the Run is the third studio album by Paul McCartney and Wings. Recorded mostly in Lagos, Nigeria, the album presents the core trio of Wings—Paul, Linda McCartney, and Denny Laine—alone for the first time, after drummer Denny Seiwell’s and Henry McCullough’s departure from the band in 1973. Featuring three hit singles from Wings in late 1973 and early 1974, the album has been widely called the best of Paul McCartney’s entire solo career following his Beatles era. The album has been featured on several “best of” lists, including Rolling Stone and Mojo magazine’s Greatest Albums of All Time lists, and it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013. The recording process in Nigeria faced several significant setbacks: in six weeks, the McCartneys were robbed at knifepoint, losing many demo tapes (including that of the intricate title track) and lyric sheets; Paul collapsed with breathing problems; and the band drew the public condemnation of the prominent Nigerian musician and activist, Fela Kuti, who accused them of appropriating African sounds –when Paul heard this, he invited him to the studio and they became friends. A big hit for McCartney, “Band On The Run” tells a lighthearted story about an incarcerated band who break out of jail. The name is vaguely based on a comment made by George Harrison regarding the current state of Apple Corps and the problems surrounding it.

Band on the Run Lyrics Paul McCartney and Wings From The Album Band on the Run (1973) Wings [Part I] [Verse] Stuck inside these four walls Sent inside forever Never seeing no one nice again Like you Mama, you Mama, you [Part II] [Verse] If I ever get out of here Thought of giving it all away To a registered charity All I need is a pint a day If I ever get out of here If we ever get out of here [Part III] [Verse 1] Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash As we fell into the sun And the first one said to the second one there "I hope you're having fun" [Chorus] Band on the run Band on the run And the jailer man and Sailor Sam Were searching everyone For the band on the run Band on the run For the band on the run Band on the run [Verse 2] Well, the undertaker drew a heavy sigh Seeing no one else had come And a bell was ringing in the village square For the rabbits on the run [Chorus] Band on the run Band on the run And the jailer man and Sailor Sam Were searching everyone For the band on the run Band on the run Yeah, the band on the run The band on the run The band on the run Band on the run [Verse 3] Well, the night was falling as the desert world Began to settle down In the town they're searching for us everywhere But we never will be found [Chorus] Band on the run Band on the run And the county judge, who held a grudge Will search forevermore For the band on the run The band on the run The band on the run Band on the run Produced By Paul McCartney Written By Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney Label Apple Corps Acoustic Guitar Paul McCartney Electric Piano Paul McCartney Synthesisers Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney Sound Engineer Pete Swetenham & Geoff Emerick Orchestrator Tony Visconti Backing Vocals Denny Laine, Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney Drums Paul McCartney Bass Paul McCartney Electric Guitar Denny Laine & Paul McCartney Recorded At Lagos, Nigeria and AIR Studios, London Release Date December 5, 1973