Badfinger’s 1970 smash “Come and Get It” became a signature song for the band. But the story behind the track goes deeper than just a catchy melody. Not only did a Beatle write the song for them, but he also had a surprising condition before they could record it.
Intrigued? We’re about to delve into the hidden connections between Badfinger and Paul McCartney, explore the meaning behind “Come and Get It,” and uncover the surprising demand McCartney made before letting the band take the reins on this soon-to-be hit.
A Band Under The Apple Tree
Emerging in the early 60s as The Iveys, Badfinger found themselves signed to the legendary Apple Records, the brainchild of The Beatles. While the label boasted a diverse roster, Badfinger stood out with their brand of rock that echoed the Fab Four’s sound – think smart songwriting, infectious melodies, and tight vocal harmonies.
Despite their talent, the band initially felt neglected by the label. In fact, one member, Ron Griffiths, even voiced his frustrations publicly. But as the saying goes, sometimes you have to speak up to be heard.
And in Badfinger’s case, their squeaky wheel strategy was about to pay off in a big way, not just with attention from The Beatles, but with a potential hit single delivered straight to their doorstep.
Badfinger pic.twitter.com/qwXtA5cdGe
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McCartney’s Conditions
McCartney had a song in his pocket, “Come and Get It”. originally intended for the soundtrack of the film The Magic Christian starring his bandmate Ringo Starr. With a clear vision in mind, McCartney felt the track would be a perfect fit for Badfinger. However, his offer came with a twist, as detailed in his own words within The Beatles Anthology:
“I had written and demoed ‘Come and Get It’ myself,” McCartney explained. Taking advantage of his proximity to Abbey Road Studios, he snuck in before a Beatles session and used Ringo’s equipment to lay down a complete demo, including drums, piano, bass, and vocals.
“I said to Badfinger, ‘Alright, this is the song, but it has to be exactly like this demo,’” he continued. The demo, according to McCartney, captured a specific energy he felt was crucial for the song’s success. While Badfinger initially wanted to add their own touches, McCartney was adamant: “‘No, this really is the right way.’”
Hitting The Right Note
Despite their initial desire to put their own spin on the song, Badfinger ultimately followed McCartney’s instructions. Comparing the demo to Badfinger’s final recording reveals a striking similarity – aside from the distinct vocal difference between McCartney and Badfinger’s lead singer Tom Evans, the two versions are practically identical.
