SONGBOOK
GET BACK/DON’T LET ME DOWN
A-side:
Get Back (Lennon-McCartney)
B-side:
Don’t Let Me Down (Lennon-McCartney)
Released: 11 April 1969 (Apple)
Highest chart position: 1
Weeks in chart: 13 (2 at number 1)
FAB FACT
Paul started writing ‘Get Back’ after reading a story about Kenyan Asians having trouble getting to Britain before the Commonwealth immigration bill that would deny them entry into the country was passed in the House of Commons. Originally a satire on those who espoused an anti-immigration stance – Enoch Powell’s ‘rivers of blood’ speech was only months away – Paul changed his mind about the lyrics, mindful of how easy it would be to misinterpret his intent.
‘Get Back/Don’t Let Me Down’ was the only single that credited another musician. It was released with the credit ‘The Beatles with Billy Preston’.
FAB FACT
In America, as the single reached the top spot, The Beatles surpassed Elvis Presley’s record for the most number one hits in the Billboard chart.