Rocky Raccoon
November 1968
Rocky Raccoon is a song by The Beatles from the year 1968. It can be stylistically associated with country music, but it is both lyrically and musically rather a parody of the genre.
Authorship
Although Rocky Raccoon, like almost all the songs of the Beatles, is drawn with Lennon / McCartney, it is essentially a composition by Paul McCartney. John Lennon contributed only in small things. Even the folk musician Donovan was involved. The result is the song in early 1968 during the stay of the Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh, India.
Recording
Rocky Raccoon was taken on August 15, 1968 at Abbey Road Studios in the following line:
- Paul McCartney: lead vocals, acoustic guitar, bass
- John Lennon: backing vocals, harmonica, harmonium, bass sechssaitiger
- George Harrison: backing vocals
- Ringo Starr: Drums
- George Martin: piano
Producer was George Martin, engineer was Ken Scott. The inclusion of Rocky Raccoon lasted, including overdubs, eight hours - there were a total of ten Takes recorded.
Publications
Rocky Raccoon was first released by Apple label on the album The Beatles in November 1968. This version is Take 10 on the compilation Anthology 3 was released in 1996 with Take 8, an alternative version.