Songfacts®:

• McCartney told the Mail on Sunday May 12, 2008 about this song: "This really is like a short story. I've done that in the past, not always writing from a personal perspective. It's good, because you use your imagination more, and that's something I enjoy. I wrote about Eleanor Rigby, but I don't know a woman who picks up rice in a church, and nor do I know anyone stranded in the transit lounge of an airport, as in 'Only Mama Knows.' But I like to get into those imaginary stories, then follow them through and become that character. The lead character in this song is someone who was left by his mother, doesn't know why she left him and doesn't know if he'll ever see his father's face. It's interesting because it takes you out of yourself. You can become an alter ego. It doesn't have to be Paul McCartney singing it - it can be this other guy singing. It's good to do; it lets you have another vocal approach, another emotional approach."