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Released in 1988

New Moon Over Jamaica

Written by Paul McCartneyTom T. HallJohnny Cash

Last updated on March 19, 2022


Album This song officially appears on the Water from the Wells of Home Official album.

Timeline This song was officially released in 1988

Timeline This song was written, or began to be written, in 1987, when Paul McCartney was 45 years old)

Related session

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

From The Beatles Rarity:

[…] Many Paul McCartney fans are aware of Paul’s fondness for holidays in Jamaica, and that he has taken quite a few vacations there over the years. Another music legend by the name of Johnny Cash liked the place so much that he actually bought a house there. On one of Paul and Linda’s mid-1980′s trips to the island, Johnny invited them over to his house for dinner, and while Paul was there, he penned the song […] while looking at the moon. The song is called “New Moon Over Jamaica.”

In May of 1988, Johnny showed up at Paul’s studio in England wanting to record the song, for inclusion on his upcoming album Water From The Wells Of Home. He had brought along Tom T. Hall, another country singer friend of his and the two of them had made a few modifications to the song. Paul shared a vocal with Johnny on the song and also played bass. Tom and Linda McCartney sang harmony vocals. […]

TO CHANGE:

Unlike Johnny’s country version, Paul’s demo is done with a reggae beat. On June 18, 1995, Paul featured his reggae demo of the song, segued with Johnny’s version, in his Oobu Joobu radio show and that is the version I give you here


Lyrics

There’s a new moon over Jamaica

And the new year just got here, you see

There’s a new moon over Jamaica

And I’m living with an old memory


So won’t you come back to Jamaica?

You know it isn’t so far

Look up in the sky where you left me that night

I’ll be standing right under that star


There’s a new moon over Jamaica

And the new year just got here, you see

There’s a new moon over Jamaica

And I’m living with an old memory


I said good evening to Venus

She said good evening too

Out there somewhere, you know I could swear

She sent a message of true love from you


There’s a new moon over Jamaica

And the new year just got here, you see

There’s a new moon over Jamaica

And I’m living with an old memory


A new moon makes someone feel happy

A new moon makes someone lovesick

I’m thinking of you, but what can I do?

New moons and new years and old loves don’t mix


There’s a new moon over Jamaica

And the new year just got here, you see

There’s a new moon over Jamaica

And I’m living with an old memory

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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Notice any inaccuracies on this page? Have additional insights or ideas for new content? Or just want to share your thoughts? We value your feedback! Please use the form below to get in touch with us.

Professor Mersey • 3 years ago

Your link tot he demo is broken. This one works:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M9tYXu4qmQ


The PaulMcCartney Project • 3 years ago

Thanks !!


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