With A Little Luck

Album: London Town (1978)
Charted: 5 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In Britain this was the much-anticipated follow up single to the UK's then top-selling single of all time, "Mull Of Kintyre." The song was long, 5:45, but radio stations were for the most part content to play the unedited single, even though edited promos were sent out.
  • There were 2 versions of the song, the original unedited 5:45 album version, which radio stations were for the most part content to play and the edited DJ version, which only runs for 3:13.
  • This was written on Paul McCartney's farm in Scotland. Most of this song was recorded on a motor yacht called the Fair Carol in the Virgin Islands along with several other tracks on London Town. The yacht had a mobile 24-track recording studio installed on it, and when they weren't recording McCartney, his family and the band lived on three other yachts. The song was then finished off back in London.

    Thinking of the water bound sessions, they planned to call the album "Water Wings."
  • The lyrics do not convey a political or social message, but McCartney has no problem with Silly Love Songs.

Comments: 9

  • Maccafan4ever from Nova ScotiaHas anyone else listened really closely to how Paul sings the first line? ;-)
  • Colin G from MinnesotaI’ve listened to music for the last 50 years and this song has grown so much on me, that it’s now in my McCartney Top 3 of all time. Such a feel good song. Love it!
  • David V from East TexasAny comments on why Paul says.... The willow turns his back on inclement weather....
  • Asa from Lynchburg, VaIt was the beginning pf the 80's, with the promise of great things to come. =)
  • Steve from Torrance, CaThis is one of those songs that absolutely epitomizes the 1970s: warm, dreamy, airy, effervescent, ethereal... The musical performances (especially on the unedited longer version with the false ending) have a dispassionate austerity about them that has almost never been recaptured by anyone, with the sole exception of (perhaps) the Blue Nile!
  • Brett from Piketon, OhAlways makes me think of my dad..........He played this song all the time and it reminds me of all the good times during my childhood! Great song!
  • Chris from San Francisco, CaFabulous song, so optimistic and happy, Paul at its best again.
  • John from Grand Island, NyVery underrated Paul song!
  • Rick from London, OnPretty good tune! A little indulgent on the synth and reverb but that was the 70's for you!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.