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Released in 1989

Loveliest Thing

Written by Paul McCartney

Last updated on March 29, 2017

Album This song officially appears on the Figure of Eight CD Single.

Timeline This song was officially released in 1989

Timeline This song was written, or began to be written, in 1986, when Paul McCartney was 44 years old)

Related sessions

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

“Loveliest Thing” is love song written by McCartney, recorded in 1986, and finally released in 1989 as the B-Side of the “Figure Of Eight” CD single.

While promoting “Press To Play”  in New York City in August 1986, Paul went into the studio with producer Phil Ramone (who previously worked with Paul the previous year on the “Spies Like Us” single). Phil Ramone was at this time producing Billy Joel ; and as a result, Billy Joel’s band played on the two songs worked on during those sessions – “Beautiful Night” and “Loveliest Thing“.

Beyond those initial sessions, there are conflicting views on how “Loveliest Thing” took its final form for its 1989 release:

  • On the “Pizza & Fairytales” bootleg by Vigotone, the liner notes mention some overdubs being done in June 1987 (still with Phil Ramone).
  • On the book “Paul McCartney – Recording sessions (1969-2013)” by Luca Perasi, overdubs sessions are placed in June-July 1988 (at Hog Hill Studio)
  • Finally, on “Flowers In The Dirt” re-released in 2017, no overdubs are mentioned ; with final mix placed in August 1986, following a day of recording.

Lyrics

To me you are the loveliest thing I've seen all day

You can't take that away

No, you can't take that away

All my life, I wondered why it couldn't be this way

That was up until today

Oh it had to be this way

Today, wait until the morning comes

Before you slip away

Without permission

Without suspicion

Without permission given

You seem to have a friendlier smile than all the rest

Well I looked and you were best

Yeah i've looked at all the rest

You can't imagine passionate words that I would say

If only you would stay

Oh you know you gotta stay

Today, wait until the morning comes

Before you slip away

Without permission

Without suspicion

Without permission given

You used to be and early bird

But how was I to know you would leave without shedding a tear

I only want to love you

I'll make a wish and suddenly I'm glad that I have you here

Oh I'm glad I have you here

Today

To me you are the loveliest thing I've seen all day

And you can't take that away

No, you can't take that away

All my life, I wondered why it couldn't be this way

That was up until today

Yeah, it had to be this way

Today, wait until the morning comes

Before you slip away, today

Before you slip away

Without permission

Without suspicion

Without permission given to you, ah

Officially appears on

Bootlegs

Live performances

Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.

Going further

Paul McCartney: Music Is Ideas. The Stories Behind the Songs (Vol. 1) 1970-1989

With 25 albums of pop music, 5 of classical – a total of around 500 songs – released over the course of more than half a century, Paul McCartney's career, on his own and with Wings, boasts an incredible catalogue that's always striving to free itself from the shadow of The Beatles. The stories behind the songs, demos and studio recordings, unreleased tracks, recording dates, musicians, live performances and tours, covers, events: Music Is Ideas Volume 1 traces McCartney's post-Beatles output from 1970 to 1989 in the form of 346 song sheets, filled with details of the recordings and stories behind the sessions. Accompanied by photos, and drawing on interviews and contemporary reviews, this reference book draws the portrait of a musical craftsman who has elevated popular song to an art-form.

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Paul McCartney writing

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Angela K Armstrong • 5 years ago

I’ve been listening to Paul’s love songs for !inda lately. I’ve been weeping to Somedays, I owe it all to you and the song India, really touched me. India is full of Paul’s expression of loss for his lovely Linda, his long haired lady. I feel so much his deep sorrow. I wish I could move on like Paul himself has. I love you Paul and Linda.

The PaulMcCartney Project • 5 years ago

Thanks for your comment Angela. "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Loveliest Thing" are surely my favored Paul's love songs for Linda !

Angela K Armstrong • 5 years ago

I’ve been considering this today. God blessed Paul Mcartney with the ability to affect people’s lives with positive songwriting, and help all people enjoy and be healed with his music. In return he gave Paul, Linda as a gift to make him happy and loved. He and his family are blessed and giving all of us happiness.

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