Blackbird page 3

 Blackbird page 3 by ric gustafson

A biography of Paul McCartney came out in 1997. The author was Barry Miles. McCartney explained to Miles his inspiration for ' Blackbird'. He told Miles he had in mind a black woman than a bird. It was the days of the Civil Rights movement. The song was from him to a black woman and what she was experiencing. McCartney hoped that the song would encourage people to keep trying, keep your faith and hope.

McCartney wanted something symbolic so he picked a bird. McCartney cloaked the civil rights message so listeners could apply the song to whatever problem they were facing.

' Blackbird' at a basic level is lyrics about a bird. The lyrics talk about flying and singing. McCartney had a bird book. He picked the blackbird to be his visual. He had picked the name Wings for his post Beatles band.

The Beatles loved and respected black musicians. One of their favorites was Billy Preston. Preston became a good friend and was in on many of their recordings. His nickname was the 5th Beatle. Preston's own interpretation was of a gospel sensibility. 

Disco Queen Sylvester did a 1979 version of ' Blackbird'. That interpretation addressed liberation.

research help: ' Blackbird' by Katie Kapurch and Jon Marc Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric