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Released in 1981

Private Property

Written by Paul McCartney

Last updated on May 3, 2020


Album This song officially appears on the Stop and Smell the Roses Official album.

Timeline This song was officially released in 1981

Timeline This song was written, or began to be written, in 1980, when Paul McCartney was 38 years old)

Related session

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

Related songs

Related interview

Private Property” is a song written by Paul McCartney, and given to Ringo Starr, for inclusion on his 1981 album “Stop And Smell The Roses“. Paul also produced the song, and played on it, during the recording in the south of France, in 1980.

A MPL-produced promotional film, named “The Cooler”, was made in January 1982 to promote it as well as two other tracks from “Stop And Smell The Roses”. Paul and Linda McCartney have a cameo appearance on it.


Lyrics

Private property,

Don't run off with it,

You'll be breaking the law.


Love monopoly,

My philosophy,

Don't go fooling with private property.


'Cause she's mine, she belongs to me,

And we'll get on fine as long as you agree

That she's mine private property,

Private property.


Private property,

Don't run after it,

You'll be facing a charge.


Have some common sense,

You get off the fence,

Don't go fooling with private property.


It's known when we're in a crowd,

That there's gonna be no trespassing allowed.

'Cause she's mine private property,

Private property.


How can i disagree?

She insists that it's all for me.

Officially appears on

Bootlegs

Videos

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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Andrew Lynch • 3 years ago

Not sure if you track mono versions or not: https://www.discogs.com/Ringo-Starr-Private-Property/release/4537726


The PaulMcCartney Project • 3 years ago

Thanks Andrew ! Didn't know and except a mono version for 1981 single ! Will add it (Yes, I try to capture mono & stereo versions).


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