Jim and Mary McCartney

Infobox Person
name = Jim and Mary McCartney


image_size = 150px
caption = Jim McCartney in the early 1970s
birth_date = Jim: birth date|df=yes|1902|7|7
Mary: birth date|df=yes|1909|09|29
birth_place = Liverpool, England
death_date = Jim: death date and age|df=yes|1976|03|18|1902|7|7
Mary: death date and age|df=yes|1956|10|31|1909|09|29
death_place = Liverpool, England
occupation = Jim: Cotton Salesman
Mary: Nurse, Matron and Midwife
spouse = Jim: Mary Mohan and Angela Williams
parents = Jim: Joe & Florence McCartney (née Clegg)
Mary: Owen & Mary Theresa Mohan (née Danher)
children = James Paul McCartney, Peter Michael McCartney and adopted daughter Ruth Williams

James "Jim" McCartney (7 July 1902 – 18 March 1976) and Mary Patricia McCartney (née Mohan) (29 September 1909 – 31 October 1956) were the parents of musician, author and artist Paul McCartney, best known for his work in The Beatles and Wings, and photographer and musician Mike McCartney, who worked with The Scaffold.

Like many families in Liverpool, the McCartney and Mohan families are from Irish descent. Jim worked for most of his life in the cotton trade, as well as playing in ragtime and jazz bands in Liverpool, while Mary was a trained nurse and midwife.

The McCartney family lived in council houses during Mary's life, but Paul later bought his father a house called Rembrandt, in Heswall, Cheshire. Jim encouraged his two sons to take up music by buying instruments for them to learn, as well as improving their status in life through education. Mary was Paul's inspiration for the song, "Let It Be". After Mary’s death, Jim married Angela Williams and adopted her daughter from a previous marriage, Ruth McCartney.

McCartney & Mohan

The McCartneys have Irish roots, as Jim's great-grandfather, James McCartney—an upholsterer—was born in Ireland, but it is unknown if Jim's grandfather, James McCartney II, was born in England or Ireland. Miles 1997 p3.] James II—a plumber and painter—married Elizabeth Williams in 1864. The pair were both under-age when they were wed, but found a place to live together in Scotland Road, Liverpool. [http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-life/echo-origins/2007/06/06/macca-and-the-family-tragedy-that-made-a-star-/ McCartney family biog – 6 June 2007] liverpoolecho.co.uk - Retrieved 5 October 2007 ] Jim's father, Joseph "Joe" McCartney (born 23 November 1866) was a tobacco-cutter by trade when he married Florence "Florrie" Clegg (born 2 June 1874) in the Christ Church, Kensington, Liverpool, on 17 May 1896. Miles 1997 p3-4] Spitz 2005 p18] Joe never drank alcohol, went to bed at 10 o’clock every night, and the only swear word he used was ‘Jaysus’. Florrie was known as "Granny Mac" in the neighbourhood and was often consulted when families had problems.

Mary's father was born in Tullynamalrow, County Monaghan, Ireland, in 1880, as Owen Mohin, but permanently changed his name to Mohan when he was at school to avoid confusion with many other pupils with the same surname. After moving to Liverpool, he worked as a coalman, and married Mary Theresa Danher from Toxteth Park, at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, on 24 April 1905. The character of Owen Mohin was performed by Wilfrid Brambell in The Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0104183/ - Retrieved 22 August 2008] ] .

Jim

Jim was born at 8 Fishguard Road, Everton, Liverpool and was the third eldest of seven children. The McCartney children were John (Jack), Edith, James (Jim), Ann, Millie, Jane (Jin) and Joe (who was named after a brother who died in infancy). Spitz 2005 p69] Joe and Florrie McCartney moved shortly after Jim's birth to 3 Solva Street in Everton, which was a run-down terraced house about three-quarters of a mile from the Liverpool city centre, where Jim attended the Steers Street Primary School off Everton Road. Spitz 2005 p69] Spitz 2005 p70] After leaving school at 14, Jim found work for six shillings a week as a cotton "sample boy", at A. Hanney & Co.; a cotton broker in Chapel Street, Liverpool. Miles 1997 p12] [ [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Chapel+Street,+Liverpool&sll=53.,-2.&sspn=0.,0.&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1 Chapel Street, Liverpool] google.co.uk/maps - Retrieved 4 October 2007 ] Jim's job entailed running up and down Old Hall Street with large bundles of cotton that had to be delivered to cotton brokers or merchants in various salesrooms. He worked ten-hour days, five days a week, although he received a bonus at Christmas that was almost double his annual salary. Spitz 2005 p71]

When World War II started Jim was too old to be called up for active service, as well as having previously been disqualified on medical grounds after falling from a wall and smashing his left eardrum when 10-years-old. Spitz 2005 p74] After the cotton exchange closed for the duration of the war, Jim worked as an inspector at Napier's engineering works, which made shell cases that were later filled with explosives. [ [http://www.amostcuriousmurder.com/napier.htm Robert Napier - The Father of Clyde Shipbuilding] amostcuriousmurder.com - Retrieved 6 October 2007 ] He volunteered to be a fireman at night and often watched Liverpool burning from his rooftop observer's position. Between 1940 and 1942, Liverpool endured 68 air-raids, which killed or injured more than 4,500 of the population and destroyed more that 10,000 homes. [ [http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime/exhibitions/blitz/blitz.asp Liverpool in the Second World War] bbc.co.uk - Retrieved 11 October 2007 ] [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/localhistory/my_memory/air_raid_01.shtml Air Raids in Liverpool] bbc.co.uk - Retrieved 11 October 2007 ] After the war he worked as an inspector for Liverpool Corporation's Cleansing Department before returning to the cotton trade in 1946. Spitz 2005 p76.]

Jim avidly read the Liverpool Echo or Express, liked solving crosswords and instigated discussions about varied subjects. His attitude to life was based upon self-respect, perseverance, fairness and a strong work ethic. Spitz 2005 p82.] His political views were far from left-wing, as he insisted that there was nothing anyone could do about the situation the working classes were in at the time, and nothing would ever change. Miles 1997 p12] Jim died of bronchial pneumonia on 18 March 1976. Miles 1997 p601] His second wife, Angela McCartney (née Williams) said that his last words were "I’ll be with Mary soon." Miles 1997 p557] Jim died two days before a Wings European tour, and Paul was unable to attend the funeral. [ [http://www.therockradio.com/2006/12/paul-mccartney-defends-love-opens-up.html Paul did not attend the funeral] therockradio.com - Retrieved 11 October 2007 ] Jim was cremated at Landican Cemetery, near Heswall, on 22 March 1976. [ [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Landican+Cemetery&sll=54.,-3.&sspn=18.,29.&ie=UTF8&ll=53.,-3.08954&spn=0.,0.&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1 Landican Cemetery, near Heswall] google.co.uk/maps - Retrieved 4 October 2007 ]

Mary

Mary Patricia Mohan was born at 2 Third Avenue, Fazakerley, Liverpool. When she was 11 years old, her mother, Mary Theresa Mohan, died giving birth to a fourth child, a daughter, who also died. Spitz 2005 p74.] [ [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2+Third+Avenue,+Fazakerley&sll=53.,-2.&sspn=0.,0.&ie=UTF8&ll=53.,-2.93335&spn=0.,0.&z=13&iwloc=addr&om=1 2 Third Avenue, Fazakerley, Liverpool] google.co.uk/maps - Retrieved 4 October 2007 ] After two years Mary's father met and married his second wife, Rose, while on a trip to Monaghan, in Ireland. [ [http://www.monaghanlive.com/_general/MonaghanLive.com.asp Info about Monaghan, Ireland] monaghanlive.com - Retrieved 6 October 2007 ] Rose arrived in Liverpool with two children from a previous marriage, but Mary, who had until then been looking after the Mohan family, realised that Rose did not care much for domesticity or her new husband's children. After a year she chose to live with her aunts. Spitz 2005 p74.] In 1923, at 14 years old, Mary started her training to become a nurse at the Alder Hey Hospital. She later transferred to Walton Road Hospital in Rice Lane, Liverpool, and after ten years reached the position of Sister. Spitz 2005 p74.] [ [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Rice+Lane,+Liverpool&sll=54.24853,-6.96916&sspn=1.,1.83197&ie=UTF8&z=15&iwloc=addr&om=1 Rice Lane] google.co.uk/maps - Retrieved 4 October 2007 ]

Mary became a domiciliary health visitor and midwife, and was on-call day or night, riding a bicycle to houses where she was needed as a midwife. Miles 1997 p6.] After she had been diagnosed with cancer Mary still carried on cycling to work, but often doubled up in pain and had trouble breathing. Spitz 2005 pp88-89.] Cynthia Lennon “John” 2006 p46] The day Mary was due to have a mastectomy operation, she cleaned the McCartney house and laid Paul and Michael's school clothes out ready for the next day. She said to Dill Mohan, her sister-in-law, "Now everything's ready for them in case I don't come back." Spitz 2005 p89.] Mary died of an embolism on 31 October 1956, after an operation to stop the spread of breast cancer. Her last words to Dill Mohan were "I would love to have seen the boys [Paul and Michael] growing up." Spitz 2005 p89.] Mary was buried on 3 November 1956 at Yew Tree Cemetery, Finch Lane, Liverpool. Miles 1997 p20.] [ [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Yewtree+close,+Liverpool&sll=53.42904,-2.&sspn=0.,0.&ie=UTF8&ll=53.42888,-2.&spn=0.,0.&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1 Yew Tree Cemetery, Finch Lane, Liverpool] google.co.uk/maps - Retrieved 4 October 2007 ] Paul later named his daughter Mary after his mother, and Michael released an album entitled "Woman" in 1972, including the song, "Woman," with a photo of Mary on the front cover. [ [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000011WV Michael McCartney’s solo album] amazon.com - Retrieved 17 October 2007 ]

Marriage

Mary met her future husband during an air raid on Liverpool in 1940, when Jim was 38 years old, and had settled into what his friends thought was, "a confirmed bachelorhood." Mary had been too career-conscious to think of marriage and, at 31-years-old, was thought of as a spinster. Spitz 2005 p73.] They met in June 1940, at 11 Scargreen Avenue, West Derby, the McCartney family home. Mary was staying with Jim's sister, Jin, because of the lack of accommodation in Liverpool at the time. Spitz 2005 p72.] As Mary sat quietly in an armchair, the air-raid sirens sounded at 9:30. At that time, the group moved to the Anderson shelter in the back garden to wait for the all-clear, but as there was an intensive bombing raid, the signal did not come and everyone was thus forced to sit in the cellar until dawn. Mary talked long enough with Jim to become romantically interested in him, and thought that he was "utterly charming and uncomplicated," as well as being entertained by his "considerable good humour." Spitz 2005 p73.] They took out a marriage licence at Liverpool Town Hall on 8 April 1941, and were married a week later at St. Swithin’s Roman Catholic chapel in Gillmoss, West Derby, on 15 April 1941. Spitz 2005 p75.] They first lived at 10 Sunbury Road, Liverpool, and then resided for a short time at 92 Broadway, Wallasey, during November 1942. Jim's job at Napiers was classified as war work, so the McCartneys were given a small, but temporary, prefab house at 3 Roach Avenue, Knowsley. Miles 1997 p5.]

Mary's job enabled the McCartneys to move to a ground-floor flat at 75 Sir Thomas White Gardens, off St. Domingo Road in Everton, to live in a rent-free flat that was supplied by her employers. Spitz 2005 p76.] Miles 1997 p5.] They moved shortly after, in February 1946, to 72 Western Avenue in Speke. Spitz 2005 p78.] [ [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=72+Western+Avenue+Speke,+Liverpool&sll=53.,-2.&sspn=0.,0.&ie=UTF8&ll=53.,-2.&spn=0.,0.&t=h&z=18&iwloc=addr&om=1 72 Western Avenue in Speke, Liverpool.] google.co.uk/maps - Retrieved 4 October 2007 ] In 1948, the family moved again to 12 Ardwick Road (also in Speke) which was part of a new estate in the suburbs of Liverpool. Miles 1997 p5.] Miles 1997 p9.] [ [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=12+Ardwick+Road+Speke,+Liverpool&sll=53.,-2.&sspn=0.,0.&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1 12 Ardwick Road in Speke, Liverpool.] google.co.uk/maps - Retrieved 4 October 2007 ] The frequent moves to better areas was Mary's idea, as she wanted to raise her children in the best neighbourhood possible. Miles 1997 p15.] In 1955, the McCartney family moved for the last time to a small three-bedroomed brick-built terrace house at 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton, which is now owned by The National Trust. [ [http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-20forthlinroadallerton/w-20forthlinroadallerton-seeanddo.htm Photo of the back of Forthlin Road] nationaltrust.org.uk - Retrieved: 27 January 2007 ] [ [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=20+Forthlin+Road,+Liverpool&sll=53.34227,-2.&sspn=0.,0.&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton, Liverpool] google.co.uk/maps - Retrieved 4 October 2007 ] [ [http://books.google.com/books?id=htl2U1fPq8QC&pg=PA326&lpg=PA326&dq=rembrandt+mccartney&source=web&ots=Wm_6NQl0wz&sig=6nc0oRgcn8PxOVqoY7lXFoRJa70#PPA326,M1 The Rough Guide to the Beatles] google.com/books - Retrieved 22 October 2007 ] It only cost £1/6s per week, which was due to Mary's seniority at the hospital. Spitz 2005 p88.] Before moving to Forthlin Road, Jim had been the secretary of the Speke Horticultural Society, and had often sent Paul and Michael out to canvass for new members. Jim planted dahlias and snapdragons in the front garden of Forthlin Road and regularly trimmed the lavender hedge, although it was Paul's job to collect horse manure from the local streets in a bucket to be dug into the flowerbeds. Miles 1997 p8] As both Jim and Mary were heavy smokers, Jim would first dry and then crush sprigs of Lavender and then burn them (like incense) in the ashtrays to kill the smell of cigarette smoke. Miles 1997 p8]

Money was a problem in the McCartney house, as Jim only earned up to £6.00 a week, which was less than his wife. Miles 1997 p5.] Because of their financial situation, the McCartney family could not afford to buy a television set until Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, and never owned a car. Miles 1997 p6.] When The Beatles became successful Jim had to leave Forthlin Road because fans used to stand outside and stare through the windows, which made him feel uncomfortable and nervous. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/.stm Jim was forced to leave Forthlin Road – 21 July 1998] bbc.co.uk - Retrieved 11 October 2007 ] Eight years after Mary's death, Jim married Angela Williams, on 24 November 1964. Harry 2001 - The Beatles’ Encyclopedia] Williams had a daughter from a previous marriage, Ruth, who Jim legally adopted. Miles 1997 p557]

Children

James Paul McCartney (b. 18 June 1942) and Peter Michael McCartney (b. 7 January 1944) were both delivered in the Walton General Hospital in Rice Lane, Liverpool, where Mary had previously worked as a nursing sister in charge of the maternity ward. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A Sir Paul McCartney - Singer/Songwriter - 19th January 2007] bbc.co.uk - Retrieved 11 October 2007 ] Mary was welcomed back shortly before she gave birth to Paul by being given a bed in a private ward. Miles 1997 p4.] Spitz 2005 p75] Jim was not present at the birth as he was fighting a warehouse fire, but arrived at the hospital two hours later. Spitz 2005 p75.] [ [http://www.btinternet.com/~m.royden/mrlhp/students/heywoods/heywoods.htm Mike Royden's Local History Pages] btinternet.com - Retrieved 7 October 2007 ]

As Mary was a Roman Catholic and Jim a Church of England Protestant—who later turned agnostic—their children were baptized Roman Catholic but raised non-denominationally, although Mary had married Jim on the promise that any children would be baptised in the Catholic faith. Although registered on his birth certificate as James Paul McCartney, their first son was known as Paul thereafter. Spitz 2005 p76.] Paul and Michael were not enrolled in Catholic schools, as Jim believed that they leaned too much towards religion instead of education. Paul remembers his mother encouraging her children to use the Queen's English and not the Liverpudlian dialect, which was unusual for the area they lived in. Spitz 2005 p73.] Miles 1997 p15.] Michael remembered that Jim had a temper when he was provoked, and that both Paul and he were hit when they were young, but this is refuted by other members of the family. Spitz 2005 p80.] Jim and Mary would often take Paul and Michael for a walk to the local rustic village of Hale (home of the giant Childe of Hale's gravesite). According to Paul, these frequent trips out of Liverpool to the countryside inspired his love of nature. Miles 1997 p10.] Miles 1997 p29] The McCartneys had a full set of George Newnes Encyclopedias which Jim encouraged Paul and Michael to use, and told his sons to look up any word they did not understand. Miles 1997 pp12-13.] After Paul had passed the Eleven-plus Exam—meaning he would automatically gain a place at the Liverpool Institute—it was hoped that Paul would become a doctor or a teacher. Michael would also attend the Liverpool Institute two years later. Miles 1997 p12] After Mary's death, Paul and Michael were sent to live with Jim's brother, Joe McCartney and his wife Joan's house for a short time, so as to let their father grieve in private. Miles 1997 p20.] Jim depended heavily on his sisters, Jin and Millie, to help around the house, as he was so depressed he once threatened suicide. Spitz 2005 p91.] Jim later took part in the running of the household, as Cynthia Lennon remembered that when she and John Lennon used to visit Forthlin Road, Jim would often answer the door with his sleeves rolled up, a tea towel in his hand and an apron tied around his waist. Cynthia Lennon “John” 2006 p47] When Paul later played at The Cavern during lunchtimes, Jim would drop off food there that Paul would later put in the oven at Forthlin Road. Cynthia Lennon “John” 2006 p87] Ruth remembered that Jim was funny and musical with her, but also strict when she was young, and was insistent that she learned good table manners and etiquette when speaking to people. [ [http://www.classicbands.com/RuthMcCartneyInterview.html Interview with Ruth McCartney] classicbands.com - Retrieved 11 October 2007 ]

62-year-old Jim was earning £10 a week in 1964, but Paul suggested that his father should retire, and bought "Rembrandt"; a detached mock-Tudor house in Baskervyle Road, Heswall, Cheshire, for £8,750. Miles 1997 p210.] [ [http://magicalbeatletours.com/tour_wirral.htm#rembrandt Photo of Rembrandt] magicalbeatletours.com - Retrieved 22 October 2007 ] Paul bought Jim a horse called "Drake’s Drum", and a couple of years later, the horse won the race immediately preceding the Grand National. Harry 2001 - The Beatles’ Encyclopedia] [http://www.iol.ie/~beatlesireland/zBeatlesfactfiles/factfilesx1/TheMcCartneys/JamesMcCartney(Father).htm Jim McCartney biog] beatlesireland - Retrieved: 6 October 2007 ]

Music

Joe McCartney, Jim's father, was a traditionalist who liked opera and played an E-flat tuba in the local Territorial Army band that played in Stanley Park, and the Copes' Tobacco factory Brass Band where he worked. Spitz 2005 p71] He also played the double bass at home, sang, and hoped to interest his children in music. Miles 1997 p23.] Jim learned how to play the trumpet and piano by ear, and at the age of 17 started playing ragtime music. Joe McCartney thought that ragtime—the most popular music of the period—was "tin-can music". Jim's first public appearance was at St Catherine’s Hall, Vine Street, Liverpool, with a band that wore black masks as a gimmick, calling themselves the Masked Melody Makers. He later led Jim Mac's Jazz Band in the 1920s, with his brother Jack on trombone, and composed his first tune, "Eloise". Miles 1997 p22.] Paul would later put lyrics to Jim's tune and record it as, "Walking in The Park With Eloise". Jim had an upright piano in the Forthlin Road front room that he had bought from Harry Epstein's North End Music Store (NEMS) and Brian Epstein, Harry's son, later became The Beatles' manager. Miles 1997 pp23-24.] Spitz 2005 p71]

Jim had a collection of old, 78 rpm records that he would often play, or perform his musical "party-pieces"—the hits of the time—on the piano. Spitz 2005 p85] He used to point out the different instruments in songs on the radio to his sons, and took them to local brass band concerts. Miles 1997 p24.] Jim also taught them a basic idea of harmony between instruments, and Paul credits Jim's tuition as being helpful when later singing harmonies with Lennon. Spitz 2005 p85] Miles 1997 pp23-24.] After Mary's death, Jim bought Paul a nickel-plated trumpet as a birthday present. [ [http://www.rockandpopshop.com/articles-details.php?cat=Bill%2BHarry's%2BMersey%2BBeat&id=192 Rushworth and Drapers store] rockandpopshop.com - Retrieved 25 October 2007 ] When skiffle music became popular, Paul swapped the trumpet for a £15 Framus Zenith (model 17) acoustic guitar. ”The Beatles Anthology” DVD 2003 (Episode 1 - 0:14:18) McCartney talking about the trumpet Jim bought. ] Spitz 2005. p86] Miles 1997 p21.] Paul also played his father's Framus Spanish guitar when writing early songs with Lennon. [http://www.thecanteen.com/mccartney1.html Early guitars McCartney played] thecanteen.com - Retrieved 27 January 2007 ]

With encouragement from Jim, Paul started playing the family piano and wrote "When I'm Sixty-Four" on it. Miles 1997 pp22-23.] Jim advised Paul to take some music lessons, which he did, but soon realised that he preferred to learn 'by ear' (as his father had done) and because he never paid attention in music classes. Miles 1997 pp22-23.] [ [http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity/McCartney+s+musical+failure-11860.html? McCartney never paid attention in music classes] femalefirst.co.uk - Retrieved: 2 October 2006 ] After Paul and Michael became interested in music, Jim connected the radio in the living room to extension cords connected to two pairs of Bakelite headphones so that they could listen to Radio Luxembourg at night when they were in bed. Miles 1997 p24.]

After first meeting Lennon, Jim warned Paul that he would get him "into trouble", although he later allowed The Quarrymen to rehearse in the dining room at Forthlin Road in the evenings. Miles 1997 pp32-38.] [http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-20forthlinroadallerton/ Inside ForthlinRoad] nationaltrust.org.uk - Retrieved 12 November 2006 ] Jim was reluctant to let the teenage Paul go to Hamburg with The Beatles until Paul lied by saying that the group would earn £15 per week each. Cynthia Lennon “John” 2006 pp69-70] As this was more than he earned himself, Jim finally agreed, but only after a visit from the group's then-manager, Allan Williams, who said that Jim shouldn't worry. Miles 1997 p57.] Spitz 2005 p205] Jim was later present at a Beatles' concert in Manchester when fans surrounded drummer Pete Best, and ignored the rest of The Beatles. Jim criticised Best by saying, "Why did you have to attract all the attention? Why didn't you call the other lads back? I think that was very selfish of you". Spitz 2005. p322] Bill Harry recalled that Jim was probably "The Beatles' biggest fan", and was extremely proud of Paul's success. Shelagh Johnson—later to become director of The Beatles' Museum in Liverpool—said that Jim's outward show of pride embarrassed his son. Spitz 2005. p392] Jim enlisted Michael's help when sorting through the ever-increasing sacks of fan letters that were delivered to Forthlin Road, with both composing "personal" responses that were supposedly from Paul. Spitz 2005. p410] Michael would later have success on his own with the group The Scaffold. [ [http://biguntidy.com/Articles/Scaffold.pdf The Scaffold biog] biguntidy.com - Retrieved 8 October 2007 ]

ongs

Paul wrote "I Lost My Little Girl" just after Mary had died, and explained that it was a subconscious reference to his late mother. Miles 1997 p21.] He also wrote "Golden Slumbers" at his father's house in Heswall, and said the lyrics were taken from Ruth McCartney's sheet-music copy of Thomas Dekker's lullaby—also called "Golden Slumbers"—that Ruth had left on the piano at Rembrandt. Miles 1997 p210.] Miles 1997 p557.] ”The Beatles Anthology” DVD 2003 (Special Features—Back at Abbey Road May 1995— 0:00:16) McCartney talking about the writing of “Golden Slumbers”.] Hunter Davies, who was at Jim's house at the time doing an interview for his Beatles' biography, remembered Jim listening to an acetate disc of "When I'm 64". Miles 1997 p319] Davies wrote that Paul had recorded it especially, as Jim was then 64-years-old and had married Angela two years previously. [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,3604,,00.html ‘When I'm 64’ story] guardian.co.uk - Retrieved 11 October 2007 ] Paul wrote "Let It Be", because of a dream he had during the "Get Back/Let It Be" sessions. He said that he had dreamt of his mother, and the "Mother Mary" lyric was about her. He later said, "It was great to visit with her again. I felt very blessed to have that dream. So that got me writing 'Let It Be'." Miles 1997 p20.]

In 1974, Paul collaborated with father Jim to create a song entitled "Walking in the Park with Eloise", a very upbeat tune, and was released by Paul McCartney & Wings under the pseudonym "The Country Hams". The Country Hams' single was backed with a tune entitled "Bridge on the River Suite". Both songs can be found on the CD "Wings at the Speed of Sound" from The Paul McCartney Collection.

Notes

References

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*Harry, Bill] | title=The Beatles Encyclopedia| publisher= year=Rev Upd edition 2001 | id=ISBN
*Lennon, Cynthia | title=John| publisher= year=2006 | id=ISBN
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*Miles, Barry | title=Many Years From Now | publisher=Vintage-Random House | year=1997 | id=ISBN
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External links

* [http://www.iol.ie/~beatlesireland/zBeatlesfactfiles/factfilesx1/TheMcCartneys/JamesMcCartney(Father).htm The Beatles Ireland - Jim McCartney]
* [http://ireland.iol.ie/~beatlesireland/zBeatlesfactfiles/factfilesx1/TheMcCartneys/MaryMcCartney(Mother).htm The Beatles Ireland - Mary McCartney]