Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney

Album: McCartney (1970)

Charted: 28 10

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Songfacts®:

Paul McCartney wrote this song about his wife Linda, who died of breast cancer in 1998. McCartney never wavered in his love for Linda, and even made her part of his band so she could tour with him.

"Maybe I'm Amazed" was written in 1969 just after The Beatles broke up. McCartney credits Linda with helping him get through this difficult time.
The studio version of this song was never released as a single (no tracks on the album were), but it is one of the most enduring songs on McCartney's first solo album. A concert version was released as a single in 1977 to promote the Wings Over America live album. Credited to Paul McCartney & Wings, it went to #10 in the US in April 1977.
McCartney, an animal rights activist, appeared on The Simpsons episode 3F03, "Lisa The Vegetarian." McCartney helps Lisa become a vegetarian and tells her that if you play this song backwards, you hear a recipe for lentil soup. Over the closing credits of that episode, if you listen carefully, you can hear the backwards message. As an extra feature on The Simpsons DVD, you can hear McCartney read the recipe and say, "There you have it Simpsons lovers, oh and by the way, I'm alive."

The lentil soup recipe Paul speaks backwards is:
- one medium onion, chopped
- two tablespoons of vegetable oil
- one clove of garlic, crushed
- one cup of carrots, chopped
- two sticks of celery, chopped
- half a cup of lentils
- one bay leaf
- one tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- two and a quarter cups of vegetable stock or water

With the exception of John Lennon, each Beatle has been on at least one episode of The Simpsons. George Harrison was on the episode "The B- Sharps" and Ringo was on the "The Letter." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Dieter - Turnhout, Belgium
This was the standout track from McCartney's first solo album. Unlike George Harrison, who had three discs worth great songs (mostly rejected by The Beatles) for his first solo effort, Paul had little in the way of leftovers to work with. He worked up the album in his kitchen, and played all of the instruments himself. The only other performer on the album was his wife Linda, who lent backing vocals (she also took the cover photo).

Critics derided the album as an unfinished work, usually citing "Maybe I'm Amazed" as the exception. The review in Melody Maker called the other tracks "sheer banality." McCartney was annoyed that he wrote a rebuttal to the paper defending the album.
Artists who covered this song include The Faces, Petula Clark, Elkie Brooks, Black Oak Arkansas, Jem, Joe Cocker, and Gov't Mule. The cover by Jem was used in the season finale of the first season in the show The O.C. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Michael - San Diego, CA
Actor Jamie Dornan, who plays Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades movies, recorded his take of the song for the soundtrack of Fifty Shades Freed. The film involves an impromptu piano and singing performance of "Maybe I'm Amazed" from Christian, which surprises his lover Anastasia, sister, Mia, and brother, Elliot.
This was the first song with the word "amazed" in the title to reach the Hot 100. Another didn't appear until 1999 when Lonestar charted with "Amazed."
Ahead of titling his debut solo album McCartney, Paul considered naming it I'm the One It Hit the Most, referencing The Beatles split.

Comments: 66

Norma Burse from ArProbably the best song ever written.
Richard from California Recording Studio - UsaMaybe I'm Amazed was acrually written during the Get Back Sessions, as were some songs heard on Ram.
Most of the songs fron Abbey Road were also written during the Get Back Sessions, including Maxwell's Silver Hammer which they had originally planned on including on Let It Be... but the song didn't fit the rest of the material (also it made the LP too long).

The Beatles broke up after Abbey Road, not Let It Be.
Chris from Nairobithis has always been a favourite, more so because i dont think Paul ever equaled it. it has a lot of similarities to songs from Abbey Road that it makes sense he was writing in that frame of mind at the time. the guitar solo is also unusual because he very rarely (before or after) did the same again. The song owes a lot to The Beatles a la Abbey road/Let it Be than anything Paul did afterwards and thus i have always wondered why he couldnt emulate such writing and playing again. Much of his solo work was very below par, perhaps only hitting it with "London Town" and "I have had enough". The same can be said for many artists after their break from the "main band" e.g. Jimmy Page, Eric C. John Lennon kept it together..........but then he never courted fame, which i think Paul did
Virginia Abreu De Paula from BrazilJust to say I have to agree to Ready Teddy. I am not saying the song was for John. Only that it applies more to him, no doubt about it. And the fact he wanted John to sing it and he really wanted it ( John's got to sing it, he said) is an evidence. He possibly thought of John as well when composing it. Just a though. Not affirming anything.
Ready Teddy from BrazilWhen I hear "Maybe I'm afraid of THE WAY I LEAVE YOU. Maybe I'm amazed of the way YOU HELP ME SING MY SONG, RIGHT ME WHEN I'M WRONG. Maybe I'm amazed at the way I REALLY NEED YOU. Maybe I'm A LONELY MAN WHO'S IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING THAT HE DOEN'T REALLY UNDERSTAND", I think this applies more to John than to Linda.
He didn't leave her. He leaved The Beatles, especially John. She knew nothing about music, so she couldn't help him or "right" him. And he really needed John, as much as John needed him. And they could help each other with the singing and composing. And I guess he didn't really understand what was happening, the split up.
Melinda from AustraliaI tend to feel this song has mass appeal because it goes straight to your soul. It’s an bluntly honest song about how a man is rather surprised at how much he’s loved and supported by his wife. How he’s surprised that he deserves her love and devotion. And how much he loves her.
I read Paul Macartney’s recent autobiography. This song is about his wife Linda.
This song was written early in their marriage. When Paul Macartney was recovering from a ‘personal living hell’ after the break up of The Beatles.
Their total guide, Beatles manager, Brian Epstein had died. Macartney was the only one out of The Beatles who didn’t want The Beatles to break up.
And I believe Macartney lived with his family on their remote Scottish Farm on Island of Mull at the time.
At this time, Macartney also had a massive scary legal case to embark on against Allen Klein, the Beatles accountant. With no support whatsoever from The Beatles to do so.
Macartney started drinking everyday at home, not helping with the children. Him and John Lennon were not speaking. And generally Macartney was being an aimless pain in the arse everyday. And sleeping half the day. All the while Linda was pregnant again I believe.
It was the only time in his life when he had faced that depth of career crisis.
Linda and him had a massive argument about his aimless behaviour and he realised....pull yourself together, take Allen Klein to court to restore protection of the income from Beatles songs again, forever, form your own band. And get back on the road.
Which he did. Successfully with, as we know, Wings. Plus he won his legal case against Allen Klein.
How many men can thank wives/girlfriends from rescuing them from major personal life crises. Plenty.
That Macartney wrote a perfect love song about it makes the song more meaningful I think.
Because this song is a sincere thank you to Linda. For her patience with him during that scary period.
To me, that’s what marriage, relationships are about. And this song defines it.
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn April 19th 1970, a video of Paul McCartney performing "Maybe I'm Amazed" was aired on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'...
The song was track five of side two from his album, 'McCartney', and the album was released in America the next day (the song was not released as a single)...
Seven years later a 'live' version of the song entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart on February 6th, 1977 at position #59; and on March 27th it peaked at #10 (for 1 week) and spent 13 weeks on the Top 100...
On the studio version Sir Paul played all the instruments (guitars, bass, piano, organ and drums).
John from Venice, FlGreat song. Tasty guitar solo too. This song was released after the break-up of The Beatles. I heard a version of Maybe I'm Amazed performed by The Beatles on a bootleg version of Let It Be a friend owned. Fantastic.
Sandy from Enterprise, FlI still don't think she deserved him
Buddy from Branford, CtI love this song very much! Ever since I played it for the first time in 1970. Although I love the "Live" version ( Jimmy M plays lead)
I have to say my favorite is the Studio verson. Paul does a fantastic job playing all instruments and vocal. Brilliant!
Bill from Lodi, CaOf course that's Paul doing the great guitar solo in the song too, and its a great one. McCartney is mostly known as a bass guitar and piano player, but I think his main virtuosity is the guitar (not counting signing), Paul is truly a great guitarist.
Megan from Stevenson, AlMmmmmm....Love this song more than life itself! I'm go out on a limb and say this is his best solo song he ever did. He had plenty of others that were awesome, but this is AMAZING!
Eduardo from Mexico City, MexicoTo Jeff from Atlanta: No, Denny Laine played Bass at the live version
Gee from Vienna, Austriathis one shows that paul was (and still is) among the greatest rock-singers of all time. it's just incredible to sing it that way and I can't imagine more than 5 people in the world who could do it. I think pink should try it, 'cause she's a bomb!!
Barry from Sauquoit, NyFour months after "Maybe I'm Amazed" entered the Pop chart a record titled "Seaside Woman" by Suzy and the Red Stripes charted, it peaked at #59. The group was actually Paul & Linda McCartney with Denny Laine, and the song was written by Linda McCartney!!!
Mark from Seattle, WaThe LIVE version of this song often heard on radio was from the June 76' performance of Wings Over America at the Seattle Kingdome. This was the first Concert of this new venue that just opened a few months earlier. It was a record crowd over 60,000. I was a waiter at the hotel where he stayed (The Edgewater), same hotel he used with The Beatles in 64 too. Beatles Suite is still there.
Ken from Louisville, KyPaul recently said that the original title was "Baby, I'm Amazed" He said he changed it so not to sound so self-assured. And about Linda's singing, George Martin, no less, thought Linda was a very good harmony singer and wanted her to sing harmony on his projects with Paul (Live and Let Die, Tug of War, etc.)
Aaron from Plainview, Txthis has to be the best love song ever. And i just love how paul sings it! he just has something unique about his voice thats just awesum
Cynthia from Scranton, Pathis may be the first dance at my wedding
Katie from Orange County, Caomg beautiful song. when it goes up the chromatic scale before the chorus it gives me chills. one of my favorite songs to perform
Vicki from Liberty, TxThis song is amazing to hear him play live on the babu grand piano! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Paul McCartney concerts. Last time I saw him was Nov. of 2005 in Houston, TX. Come on back, Paul, we want to see you again!
B-man from Detroit, MiFirst, I have to agree with Ace in that the live version of this song is the ONLY version of this song. The studio version is too flat and sterile. Much like Denny Lane's "Go Now", the Wings Over America version is the standard by which all others will be judged.
We have to remember that Paul was very devoted to Linda (story goes they never spent a night apart, except the time when Paul was busted for pot in Japan--any confirmation??). Paul was very insistent on making Linda a part of the early Wings projects regardless of her musical ability. In the waning days of the Beatles the relationship amongst the boys was acrimonious due in large part to the influences of their respective spouses. Although I will always believe that Yoko was probably the chief antagonist (in taking the Beatles in some far-out direction), I have always viewed Linda as the protagonist as Paul sought to break away altogether and let the Beatles die a dignified death.
Anyway, this is a great song that gets turned up every time it comes on!!
Mark from Byrdstown, TnSo how did this turn into ragging on a dead woman for her singing? If Paul wanted Linda on his records then case closed.Lets just say a lot of you have records of lots of people who cant sing.Go back to your marylin manson and eminem cds and let the dead rest in peace.
Kenny from Clydebank, ScotlandAmazed!! This song climbs higher and higher,
like "Let me Roll it'. Paul McCartney powerfully
conveys the state of love, the amazing grace of two being one. Kenny, Clydebank, Scotland
Jeff from Atlanta, GaPaul's best solo song.. the live version is the better one imo.. Thats Denny Laine playing the guitar part on the live version i'm pretty sure.
'
Ken from Louisville, KyEverybody who heard this song on "McCartney" urged Paul to put it out as a single. Paul refused, the Beatles "tradition" was never to put an album track out as a single (unless it was a movie theme). It still received significant U.S. radio airplay and Paul realized it was a mistake not to have released it as a single. As noted, he later did release a live version of the song off a Wings concert album.
Rob from Ashland, OhUmm Linda Ronstadt sang back up on "Heart of Gold" not Linda McCartney!
Eddie from Rome, GaLinda could sing well enough to back up Neil Young on "Heart of Gold"; Yoko was a terrible singer. I remember this song being played a good bit on the radio in the spring of 1970 as Paul's first solo song. This song's from the McCartney album; Paul played every instrument in every song on this album, & the album's aged very well in a Liverpudlian-garage rock kind of way.
Linda from London, AlI heard this song on the radio today! I was listening to it and thinking 'Wow, this sounds like one of the Beatles might be singing it, like when they went solo, maybe John Lennon'. Then he started singing the 'Maybe I'm amazed' parts, and although I'd never heard the song before, I'd heard of it, andI could reognize Paul's voice. Then they played another one of my favorite songs, "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys. Yesterday they played "Yesterday" (hah! yesterday they played Yesterday...), and they also played "A Hard Day's Night" (by the Beatles and George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord". Well anyways, Paul and Linda McCartney rock! I have the same name as Linda!
Eric from Byron, NyI was under the impression that Paul first played this during the Get Back sessions... before The Beatles broke up... so he couldn't have written it afterward.
Rhonda from Eden, NcYes, Linda is singing background vocals on the chorus of this song...and she doesn't sound bad. I think she did very well in the studio...it is difficult to sound good all the time live...
Michael from San Diego, CaOne of my all time favorite love songs! I visited London once and this song reminds me of that special time. I took a bus tour around the city while there, and one of the spots we rode by was The Bag O'Nails club, where he met his future wife Linda.
Reuben from Amsterdam, NetherlandsCheck out the covered version of 'Maybe I'm Amazed', done by Carleen Anderson in '98. It is so powerful. Shivers and goose bumps - you won't get disappointed. Paul Weller and his band are backing her on this one.
Jimi from Detroit , MiYeah Paul's best solo. I think being around John caused Paul be more mature and serious. A little later it would be silly loves songs. Give Ireland back to the Irish. was a great song.

Linda sing well she did. Yoko did Bob Dylan did, RedBone did. So I guess its in the ear of the hearer
Duane from Wheatfield, InThis live version on this song on "Wings Over America" is one of THE best songs ever. Paul's singing and the revved up guitar solos by Jimmy kick.
Tim from Houston, TxI love this song because i had a friend who taught me the drums, and he knew that i liked paul McCartney. This is the song he learned for me and so this is a special song to me.
Tom from New York, NyRegarded as one of McCartney's finest love songs.
"Maybe I'm Amazed" is a song written by Paul McCartney, which was first released on his McCartney album on April 17, 1970. The irony of this song is that McCartney admitted later this song is really a tribute to his cleaning lady, who word had it really knew how to get to those hard to reach places.
Jonathan from Syosset, NyGreat Song One of my favs It does sound like baby im amazed
Brittany from A Place, VaSome songs don't even have the title in them. So you can't really say "Because the title of the song is 'Maybe I'm Amazed' they start off with 'maybe'. Anyways...it sounds like he says "Baby I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time. And maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you." I don't think that Yoko and Linda were bad singers. Sure they weren't as great as their husbands, but they're pretty good.
Johnny from Los Angeles, CaGreat Song! The OC sucks and awesome Simpsons fact. I did that.
Mauricio from Hanford, CaIt says "maybe", hence, the title of the song
Reggie from Santa Ana, CaDoes anybody know what kind of organ they use on this song?
Andy from Arlington, Va#338 on Rolling Stone's top 500 songs. Paul, John (Imagine), and George (My Sweet Lord) each make the list exactly once as solo artists.
Kika from Nyc, Nythis is the only acceptable paul mcCartney single
Evilio from Melbourne, AustraliaI just can't tell...does this song start with "Baby I'm amazed..." or "Maybe I'm amazed..."
Kristina from Small Town, NeSo what if Linda couldn't sing- neither could Yoko but that didn't stop John from letting her sing on his albums. Linda was a beautiful and wonderful woman. This is the best love song ever written. If only we could all be loved like this.
Ruben from Grove, OkPaul McCartney's best song. It was off his first solo album. I waited until I found the right woman until I gave her this song to show her how I felt about her . The wait was worth it because I married her and were still going strong after seven years.
Fuffy from Venice, ItalyKen, the copulating beetles are on the Ram album cover, not on the McCartney album (which is where Maybe I'm Amazed is).
Pete from Nowra, Australiaheard some audio of Lynda doing the la ,la la ,la's on Hey Jude.... bloody awful
Jay from Htown, Canadagreat song nuff said
Ken from Louisville, KyThe cover of the album this is from, "McCartney", has two visual references to the Beatles break-up. The front cover is of a spilled bowl of cherries - as in the "bowl of cherries" life that Paul, John, George and Ringo had as the Beatles had now been spilled. On the back cover there is a small picture of one beetle copulating another beetle.
Steve from Troy, NyEven though Ram is amazing, this is my favorite McCartney solo song.
Clarke from Pittsburgh, PaThe studio version, never released as a single, was nevertheless played by many AM radio stations at the time. Slightly faster and more intense than the much-later "live" version, I think it is easily the better of the two.
Andre from Tampa, FlI love the way Sir Paul sings in this song; it's like he has something in his throat, it sounds awesome. He sounds like this in Get Back also.
Steve from New York City, NyThis song sounds like it would fit perfectly on "Let it Be."
Stefany from Kansas City, MoThe cover that Ariel is referring to was done by Jem.
Roberto from Punta Negra, PeruI love Linda McCartney! she sings grat! I've heard "Wide Prairie" and "The light comes from Within" and those albums are jus great!
Shell from Riverdale, Ga"Could Linda McCartney actually sing?" Well, if you want to call it that. Yes, she made an album. Lots of people who couldn't carry a tune if it had handles have recorded albums. I think the evidence is in this anecdote: When Wings were touring, with Linda "singing" backup and playing keyboards, the crew would sometimes turn Linda's mike up and everyone else's down after the sound check. Then when the show started they could watch Paul have a near nervous breakdown until he could get them to readjust the sound.
Ace from Marion, WvI hate to pick, but the live version BURIED the studio version by leaps and bounds. The studion version sounded kind of one-dimentional. Kind of like a cardboard cut-out with a voice. In the live version, Paul really cut loose on the vocals and allowed the true flow and heart of the song to shine through.
Ariel from Woodbridge, Ctthis song was redone by a new artist for the finale of The OC, it is the first song during the wedding reception... this line really fits the show:
Baby I?m a man and maybe I?m a lonely man
Who?s in the middle of something
That he dosen?t really understand
Martin from London, EnglandThe track was first tried out at The Beatles' "Let It Be" sessions, but rejected, along with some other stuff that ended up on ex-Beatle albums.
Martin from London, EnglandThe most interesting thing about this superb track from Paul is that he plays every instrument (piano, keyboards, bass, drums and some pretty good lead guitar). In fact, he played all the instruments on the whole "McCartney" album, and then again 10 years later on "McCartney II".
Martin from London, EnglandThe album does indeed credit Linda McCartney with harmonies, and she can be heard on this track helping Paul out with the "aaahhhhs" in the background. She did, of course, sing on a significant number of McCartney/Wings tracks and also recorded enough solo material for a solo album - "Wild Prairie", which was released just after her death. Could she actually sing? Well, she's no Aretha Franklin, but check the album out. It ain't bad.
Annabelle from Eugene, OrSomebody actually told me that Linda McCartney sang with Paul on this song. I don't know if they were just making it up. Could Linda McCartney actually sing?
Danny from Grass Valley, CaHis best solo song
Graham from London, EnglandLive version (from Wings Over America) was released as a single in the UK. Reached #28 in Feb 1977.

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