Often regarded as one of McCartney’s first masterpieces, “All My Loving” was released on The Beatles’ second studio album With The Beatles. The song was never released as a single in the US, but nevertheless played an important role in establishing ‘Beatlemania’ in America due to its inclusion on the setlist of the Ed Sullivan Show. In this article, we will dive into the story, meaning, and legacy behind the song!
The Story Behind the Song
Paul McCartney wrote “All My Loving” in 1963 during The Beatles’ tour with Roy Orbison. He began writing the song on the tour bus going to a Beatles gig, starting with the song’s lyrics. This approach was unusual for McCartney, as he normally composed the music before writing the lyrics.
“It was the first song I’d ever written the words first,” McCartney reflected. “I never wrote words first, it was always some kind of accompaniment, I’ve hardly ever done it since either.”
“We arrived at the gig and I remember being in one of these big backstage areas and there was a piano there so I’d got my instrument. I didn’t have a guitar, it was probably with our road manager, and I remember working the tune out to it on the piano.”
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After McCartney introduced the song to the band, the Beatles recorded “All My Loving” on 30 July 1963. During the sessions, John Lennon came up with a last-minute idea to play the chords of the song as triplets. It gave the song the driving momentum it needed.
“All My Loving” was eventually released on The Beatles’ second studio album With the Beatles. Outside of the US and the UK, “All My Loving” was also issued as a single. The single topped the charts in four countries including Canada and Australia. The Canadian single was imported into the US in such high quantities that the single reached the US Billboard Hot 100.
But the most significant moment of “All My Loving” – especially in the US – was its inclusion on The Ed Sullivan Show. The Beatles’ performance on the show was watched by 73 million American viewers and is seen as the start of ‘Beatlemania’ in the US. The Beatles played “All My Loving” as the opening track.
The Meaning of the Song
“All My Loving” is a heartfelt farewell song. Paul McCartney sings about leaving his loved ones behind as he is about to embark on a tour. He ensures his loved ones that despite the separation their love will remain strong. “All My Loving” is essentially a love letter set to music, and the song is sometimes referred to as a ‘letter song’.
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At the time of writing the song, Paul McCartney had a relationship with actress Jane Asher. But McCartney believed the song wasn’t necessarily written with Asher in mind. “It’s probably more of a reflection on what our lives were like then – leaving behind family and friends to go on tour and experience all these new adventures,” McCartney reflected.
The Legacy of All My Loving
Upon its release, “All My Loving” was seen as one of Paul McCartney’s best works. The song was as catchy as The Beatles’ singles and easily the highlight of With the Beatles.
John Lennon liked the song and referred to it as one of McCartney’s ‘first biggies’. “All My Loving’ is Paul, I regret to say,” Lennon commented. “Because it’s a damn good piece of work. But I play a pretty mean guitar in the back.”
Despite not being released as a single in the US and the UK, “All My Loving” is considered one of the Beatles’ best during the band’s ‘Beatlemania’ phase. As a result of the song’s inclusion on The Ed Sullivan Show, “All My Loving” is also historically important in the context of the Beatles’ career.
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