Lifelong Passion (Sail Away)

Album: Electric Arguments (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to an article in the Daily Mail October 3, 2008, Paul McCartney wrote this upbeat ballad about his new love, Nancy Shevell. The Fireman is McCartney's collaboration with the producer Martin "Youth" Glover.
  • This was originally released in June 2008 as a download for fans who donated to the Adopt-A-Minefield charity.
  • This bluesy track features a harmonica part, which was improvised on the spot. McCartney told The Daily Telegraph October 10, 2008 that he and his collaborator, producer Martin "Youth" Glover, went into the studio with nothing prepared, and recorded a song a day. He admitted: "I had to make a disclaimer to the engineers I said this could be the most embarrassing moment of my life. It was thrilling, but it could have been a terrible mistake. It could ruin my whole career!" He added: "We were like mad inventors. The process was just to set up a groove and play stuff. Youth would say, 'How about a bit of harmonica?' So I'd play that. 'How about a bit of drums? Guitar? Tin whistle? Throw everything at it, see what sticks.' I think, having written so much over the years, even when I am improvising I have an ability to spot what's working, and just go with that."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.