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Released in 1974

Sally G

Written by Paul McCartney • Linda Eastman / McCartney

Last updated on July 20, 2014

Album This song officially appears on the Junior's Farm / Sally G 7" Single.

Timeline This song was officially released in 1974

Master album

Related sessions

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

Related interviews

From Wikipedia:

“Sally G” was the B-side to the Paul McCartney and Wings single “Junior’s Farm.”

McCartney composed the song after visiting a country music club in Printer’s Alley.

Like the A-side, it was recorded in Nashville in 1974 during the band’s visit. Unlike the A-side, it was strongly country music-influenced, including prominent use of Nashville backing musicians such as Vassar Clements, Lloyd Green and Johnny Gimble supporting Wings.

In the US, “Sally G” charted separately from “Junior’s Farm” on both Billboard’s country singles chart and on the Billboard Hot 100 where it reached #51 and #39 (#17 when still listed as the flip of “Junior’s Farm”), respectively. Like many Wings singles, the song was not included on an album at the time of release.

Lyrics

Somewhere to the south of New York City

Lies the friendly state of Tennessee

Down in Nashville town then I met a pretty

Who made a pretty big fool out of me

And they call her Sally, Sally G

Why d'you wanna do the things you do to me?

You're my Sally, Sally G

You took the part that was the heart of me, Sally G

The night life took me down to Printers Alley

Where Sally sang a song behind the bar

I ran my eyes across her as she sang a tangled mime

I used to love to hear her sweet guitar

And they call her Sally, Sally G

Why d'you wanna do the things you do to me?

You're my Sally, Sally G

You took the part that was the heart of me, Sally G

Me and Sally took up

Things began to look up

Me and her were going strong

Then she started lyin'

I could see our love was dyin'

I heard a voice say

"Move along, move along"

Well, now I'm on my own again

I wonder if she ever really understood

I never thought to ask her what the letter G stood for

But I know for sure it wasn't good

And they call her Sally, Sally G

Why d'you wanna do the things you do to me?

You're my Sally, Sally G

You took the part that was the heart of me, Sally G

Take a chance

Sally G

Yeah, Sally G

Variations

Officially appears on

Bootlegs

See all bootlegs containing “Sally G”

Videos

Album One Hand Clapping (2 LP edition)

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.

Buy on Amazon

Paul McCartney writing

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Steve Nelson • 8 years ago

does this song refer to the Western Room in Printers Alley? I only know of ONE stage that was behind the bar and I think I know who Sally G is.....Dianne Sherrill. Am I right?

The PaulMcCartney Project • 8 years ago

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the interesting question. I had to do a bit of research, and find this on the Beatles Rarity (awesome site, btw!)

http://www.thebeatlesrarity.com/2013/06/27/asknat-concerning-the-paul-mccartney-wings-nashville-sessions/

"According to Skull Schullman, owner of the Printer’s Alley Club (mentioned in the song), Paul wrote the song in his bar. It was originally to be “Diane G” after country singer Diane Gaffney but Paul changed the name after learning that Diane had once sued a newspaper. Paul invited Nashville musicians Lloyd Green (pedal steel guitar) and Johnny Gimble (fiddle) to join in with Wings on the recording, which took place on July 9th."

So Diane Gaffney seems to be the right answer !

Mike allen • 7 years ago

On Junior's Farm, I believe the correct lyric is "as she sang A Tangled Mind", which is an old Hank Snow song from the 50s, rather than "mime". Love your site!

The PaulMcCartney Project • 7 years ago

Hi Mike, thanks for your input & kind words ! Most review sites (Genius, MetroLyrics...) mention "A Tangled Mime" ; but "A Tangled Mind" surely makes more sense. Will do a bit more research, thanks !

Mike allen • 7 years ago

What an idiot I am. Just realized I put Junior's Farm, which I was listening to at the time, in my earlier comment when I meant Sally G. Thanks for not pointing out my stupidity :)

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