Flaming Pie by Paul McCartney

Album: Flaming Pie (1997)

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The Beatles were known for having fun with journalists, rarely giving a straight answer at their early press conferences. The title of this song (and the album) comes from something John Lennon used to say in response to the constant question, "How did the band get its name?" Lennon's reply: "I had a vision that a man came unto us on a flaming pie, and he said, 'You are Beatles with an A.' And so we were."

McCartney conceived much of the Flaming Pie album while he was working on the Beatles Anthology project; he explained: "Watching the Anthology also reminded me of the time that we didn't take to make an album and of the fun we had when we did one. The Beatles were not a serious group… So I wanted to try to get back into some of that; to have some fun and not sweat it."
Jeff Lynne sang on this track, played electric guitar, and produced it with McCartney. Paul decided he wanted to simulate a typical early Beatles session for this track, which meant recording three songs in about four hours. McCartney sang it live while he played the piano and Lynne played guitar; drums and bass, then guitars and backing vocals were then added.

Comments: 3

George from Brisbane AustraliaKristina from Albuquerque, Nm - I think your assertion that Paul is saying "hey, look everybody who thinks I was just some sad sack leeching off John Lennon's talents--I really was the brains behind the whole operation,"are a bit off the mark. As a lifelong Beatle fan I don’t know of anyone who thought of Paul as anything but equal to John on every level.
My take is that in ‘Flaming Pie’ Paul’s meaning could be as simple as, ‘it was me that came up with Beetles with an A’.
Kristina from Albuquerque, NmI think that by saying "I'm the man on the Flaming Pie," Paul is saying, "hey, look everybody who thinks I was just some sad sack leeching off John Lennon's talents--I really was the brains behind the whole operation." I see it as Paul dealing with popular myths about the Beatles that place John in the primary creative position. Paul is trying to reclaim his rightful place as a smart songwriter who contributed equally to the Beatles.
Peter Boyko from Edmonton, CanadaMcCartney does this alot on Tour now
but the words "Everything i do has a simple explanation" was sort of funny
because the beatles sort of did everything and responded with the simplest of forms
just quick smart remarks

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