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In the summer of 1969, as The Beatles were recording their swan song "Abbey Road," Paul McCartney arrived early one July morning at EMI Studios and created something remarkable in less than an hour. The result was "Come and Get It," a song that would become a crucial bridge between The Beatles' era and the next generation of rock music. https://youtu.be/N3TOcw7taBo?si=T6oJQBFNX1py6M3O McCartney, displaying his legendary efficiency and multi-instrumental talents, recorded a complete demo by himself – laying down piano and vocals on the first take, adding maracas, then drums, and finally bass. Though seemingly simple, this quick session would launch one of rock's most promising yet ultimately tragic bands: Badfinger. The song was written for "The Magic Christian," a satirical film starring Peter Sellers and McCartney's bandmate Ringo Starr. Its lyrics carried a biting commentary on business and greed – themes that would prove darkly prophetic. "Did I hear you say that there must be a catch? Will you walk away from a fool and his money?" McCartney sang, perhaps reflecting his growing frustration with Apple Records, The Beatles' troubled business venture. Enter Badfinger, then known as The Iveys. The band had already caught The Beatles' attention and signed to Apple Records, but success proved elusive with their early singles "Maybe Tomorrow" and "Dear Angie." Their fortunes changed when McCartney offered them "Come and Get It," along with the opportunity to record two more songs for "The Magic Christian" soundtrack. However, McCartney's generosity came with strict conditions – they had to perform it exactly as his demo, despite their desire to put their own spin on it. McCartney's instincts proved correct; the song became their breakthrough hit. The recording sessions revealed McCartney's keen ear for talent. After auditioning all four band members, he chose Tom Evans to sing lead vocals. The band added their signature three-part harmonies to McCartney's arrangement, creating a perfect blend of Beatles-inspired sound with their own emerging style. Released in December 1969 (January 1970 in the US), the song reached #4 in the UK and #7 in the US charts. "Come and Get It" represented a pivotal moment for Apple Records – it was their first major hit by an artist other than The Beatles. The song opened and closed "The Magic Christian," with the final scene ironically showing people diving into a vat of excrement to retrieve money – a metaphor that would prove painfully relevant to Badfinger's future. Despite following this success with more hits like "No Matter What" and "Day After Day," Badfinger's story turned tragic. Mismanagement, legal disputes, and financial troubles plagued the band. The promising group that The Beatles had championed found themselves trapped in a web of contractual obligations and financial confusion. The pressure proved too much for lead guitarist Pete Ham, who took his own life in 1975, leaving behind a pregnant wife and a bitter note condemning their business manager. "Come and Get It" remains a bittersweet testament to both the possibilities and pitfalls of the music industry. It showcases McCartney's songwriting brilliance and Badfinger's tremendous potential, while its lyrics about money and foolishness cast a dark shadow over the band's eventual fate. The song stands as both a classic power-pop gem and a poignant reminder of rock music's sometimes tragic underbelly. Lyrics [Verse 1]If you want it, here it is, come and get itMm-mm-mm-mm, make your mind up fast [Verse 2]If you want it, anytime I can give itBut you better hurry 'cause it may not last [Refrain]Did I hear you say that there must be a catch?Will you walk away from a fool and his money? [Verse 3]If you want it, here it is, come and get itBut you better hurry 'cause it's going fast [Verse 1]If you want it, here it is, come and get itMm-mm-mm-mm, make your mind up fast [Verse 2]If you want it, anytime, I can give itBut you better hurry 'cause it may not last [Refrain]Did I hear you say that there must be a catch?Will you walk away from a fool and his money? [Verse 3]Sonny, if you want it, here it is, come and get itBut you better hurry 'cause it's going fast [Bridge]You'd better hurry 'cause it's going fastOoh-ooh-ooh, fool and his money [Verse 3]Sonny, if you want it, here it is, come and get itBut you better hurry 'cause it's going fast [Outro]You'd better hurry 'cause it's going fastYou'd better hurry 'cause it's going fast SHARE now with your friends!

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