LISTENING IN: On the run for 50 years with Paul McCartney

Can you believe its been 50 years since the release of “Band on the Run,” Paul McCartney’s best post-Beatles album, which not surprisingly was the top-selling album in Canada (amongst other places) in 1974?

Released in December of ’73, the album had seen McCartney’s “band” Wings dwindle to a trio (along with wife Linda and Denny Laine), but was the second of four straight No. 1 albums (and a No. 2) during his mid-‘70s heyday, which ensured his status as the most commercially successful of the former Fab Four.

BotR produced the hit single “Jet,” plus other notably enduring numbers, “Let Me Roll It,” “Bluebird,” and “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five,” not to mention the Beatlesque “Mrs. Vandebilt,” a purposely misspelt odd nod to the rich Vanderbilt family.

And, of course, the title track, a now certifiable classic, with its memorable intro: “Stuck inside these four walls,” and the favourite karaoke lines “All I need is a pint a day” and “the undertaker drew a heavy sigh” – the latter a line that was edited out of the US single version.

Another fun fact: the iconic cover photo of the “band on the run,” cowering under a spotlight having broken out of prison, included tough guy actor James Coburn (along with some other British personalities including a boxer and politician).

So, without further ado, enjoy the video and please excuse me while I pour my pint for the day…

Lyrics

Stuck inside these four walls,

Sent inside forever,

Never seeing no one

Nice again like you,

Mama you, mama you.

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 outta here

If we ever get outta of here

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.

Band on the run, band on the run.

And the jailer man and sailor Sam

Were searching every one

For the band on the run,

Band on the run

Band on the run,

Band on the run.

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.

Band on the run,

Band on the run.

And the jailer man and sailor Sam

Were searching every one

For the band on the run,

Band on the run

Yeah the band on the run,

Band on the run

Band on the run

Band on the run

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.

Band on the run,

Band on the run.

And the county judge who held a grudge

Will search for evermore

For the band on the run,

Band on the run

Band on the run

Band on the run