First time listening to PAUL McCARTNEY - Tug of war REACTION

[@carlbaumeister3439]

The whole album is a masterpiece.

[@debjorgo]

Even Rolling Stone said that, and they always dogged McCartney's albums.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@@debjorgo Although they said Band on the Run was the best of any albums done by any former Beatles.

[@NathanVeenstra]

I was waiting for “Take It Away” at the end here. 😉

[@Rkw772]

I agree Harry it’s obvious that it’s about Paul and John song writing competition. They always say they had a friendly competition. I think as time passed it was less friendly. Like Paul says we were trying to outdo one another.

[@fishhookism]

I always thought this song was about Paul and John's songwriting competition, because near the end he says "we were trying to outscore each other."

[@Jacob_Junge]

I've always thought it was about the Cold War and the nuclear weapons race, but your interpretation works well too.

[@Rkw772]

I think it’s rather obvious it’s about Lennon and McCartney.

[@johnthegreek5836]

Paul McCartney is also my main man, no one can deny how much talent this man has and he’s still making music

[@antongillylan9181]

What a talented voice. Paul’s talented on a lot of instruments but his voice goes to another level.

[@Fool3SufferingFools]

This song seems to me to be about the bigger picture, international relations, relations between social classes or cultural groups, struggles with human relations in general. Never occurred to me that it could be autobiographical, and really I still don’t read it that way.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Yeh I'd lean on thatvmore than the Beatles reference.

[@gioconda43]

Agreed!

[@vincegonzalez6804]

I believe it’s about his complex relationship with Lennon

[@strathman7501]

@@vincegonzalez6804 I think it's "about" all these things. The Lennon-McCartney creative tension is for him the particular instantiation of a universal idea.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Tug of War, no matter how one interprets it, is a masterpiece. It speaks volumes now, 40 years later. Too bad it has been drowned out by so much musical tripe that has occurred. Remember this was in the wake of John Lennon's death, and surely that affected Paul's song writing content. it can be about both the Beatles and the World, or your own situation/relationships. Like life is one big God Damned Tug of War. We sure are being forced to march to the beat of a different drum today, and not all of it is good. Anything George Martin touched turned into a classic, and McCartney knew that. Spooky at the end how Linda disappears FIRST, then Paul. At the time no one knew Linda would pass away in 1998 and leave Paul behind, still with us and touring today. I miss Linda so much, she was always by his side, in the band or just with him. She always seemed like such a nice lady, like that next door neighbor you always liked.

[@lindasalvaterra1304]

Harri you might be right in your thinking that this was about the Beatles. Anyway I see you smile as you’re listening to yet another great song by Paul. He really is amazing. As a person and an artist. I feel the same way! I’ve loved him since the beginning on the Ed Sullivan show and I’m still in awe of his work. Little Willow is a song he wrote for Ringo’s first wife that died. So beautiful. Give it a listen.

[@ednoponen2943]

Good grief! I'd forgotten how GOOD this song is. Great lyrics about the Beatles, obviously, great vocal, and a stunningly beautiful melody (something desperately missing from todays "music"). Paul is a genius, if there is such a thing musically speaking.

[@BabbleBebble]

I don't think this song is about the Beatles even because he never mentioned it, occasionally he'd told it...

[@marybaillie8907]

You have to wonder what other beautiful songs could have come about if Lennon/ McCartney could have patched up their differnces. Maybe John would still be here...... For two men who wanted world peace, I wish they could have found a way to give peace a chance amongst themselves.✌️❤️ Thanks Harri. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦.

[@danielolson5378]

When John Lennon got murdered he and Paul were actually friends again. Paul and Linda visited John and Yoko in NYC and J and P exchanged bread recipes.

[@strathman7501]

Awe inspiring production of a top-class song. In terms of sheer sound impact this must surely be one of the most impressive pop records ever made. Ho hum, just one more McCartney/Martin masterpiece...

[@surlechapeau]

Harri, looks like you haven't done his "Band On The Run". You'll love it!

[@snowbirdlady8496]

I also think this is more about the world in general and the future. It's such a haunting melody and beautiful song. One of my very favorites.

[@wadestevens5659]

Really so cool to see another human being’s reaction to this song. I remember hearing this for the first time upon its release forty years ago?? There was a real sense of melancholy upon hearing this tune because it was only a scant two years since Lennon’s death and McCartney hadn’t really addressed that void yet. Love your comments as far as the lineage with George Martin and the tug of war being a metaphor for the Beatles themselves.

[@Imadrummin]

Stephen my man, this is a slick pick for Harri. Paul will be in Knoxville Tennessee on 5/31 at Thompson Boling. This place is electrified anticipating Paul's arrival. I heard they are tearing out a portion of the seat sections to accommodate the stage. Not many artist would get by with that request on the "rider". Paul can. Nuff said. 👍😉❤✌🎶👌💖🎂

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

I really like Tug of War. I got it hoping to hear Paul doing a ttribute to John . Would he do one ? Of course he did. And George Martin had to produce it. In a time to come ? Maybe Paul was thinking of the afterlife ? When t both men can meet up with out the "old rope " of their career long thing of pushing and pulling nond

[@garyarnett1220]

Love this album, one of his very best. Maybe the recent loss of John was on my mind, but always thought this was an open letter from Paul to him.

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

I have a reference book. Paul says about Tug of war but he was thinking of John all the while he was creating the song as with Somebody who cares..:that is on the same album. It is about the Tug of War in personal relationships including ex colleagues that end up as a Tug of war including international politics in these generalities. But John was in.the back of his mind the whole time...

[@mjd6199]

I bought this album when it came out. I loved it. That was a good song. The whole album is good. One of the songs, Here Today, was written by Paul about John after John's death. A beautiful song. Give that a listen.

[@youngbloodk]

Another good song to look at from this album is the song, Wanderlust, which George Martin called Paul's best vocal performance. Specifically the version from the Tug of War album, not the Give My Regards to Broadstreet version. In fact you could play almost any song from this album.

[@tommessner3502]

Its about him and John.

[@Rkw772]

Obviously.

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

I think it's about Paul and John trying to compete with each other within.the Beatles and their creative tensions within the band. . Yes. And Paul having to stand his own ground to keep things together. It is the first track heard on the album I think it's an apology of sorts to John. Later on in the album we get the full on John tribute Here Today which would have been too much for the Listener on Track 1. He is building up to that one in.my opinion. Yes. It's like an old boys get together in.the wake of John's death. Ringo also plays on the next track up Take it Away. This album is 40 years old this month

[@Cynthia...]

"Tug of War" was the title track from Paul McCartney's 1982 album, his first after the assassination of John Lennon in 1980. Not that familiar with this one but such a beautiful song.

[@glenndespres5317]

Paul was working on this album prior to Lennon’s death and actually returned to the studio to work more on it right after it happened. He had a great relationship with George Martin and they worked very well together in studio. George knew how to make Paul sound his best.

[@danielvolk237]

Great choice Stephen. My kids got us tickets to Paul Concert at Syracuse Carrier Dome in early June. Can't wait. Great reaction as usual Harri. You are the Supreme Bestie. 🙃👍🔥😉🤴🌏🕊️

[@davidcohen7146]

You have a great time brother. I was fortunate to see Paul in Concert 6 years ago in Memphis and he put on a show for almost 3 hours. So get ready to get your moneys worth.

[@danielvolk237]

@@davidcohen7146 Thanks pal. It will be my fifth time seeing him.Have loved each one. Saw Ringo and the all star band twice and they were great too. Looking so forward to it. Paul will be 80 about 2 weeks later. Kind of sad. How many more years can he tour. Thanks again David. 👍😉🔥🙃🕊️🌏🇨🇦🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇦💟

[@davidcohen7146]

@@danielvolk237 Thats Awesome! Correct! Paul will be 80 in a couple of weeks. I don't think he will ever stop touring until he passes away of course

[@MyMaria43]

paul and linda look great and sound great

[@BruceColon-BSides]

Great song from an equally great album. One of his all-time best.

[@susanelkins3068]

Yes- about the Beatles and John--you can see that now in the documentary . PLEASE listen to Paul's tribute to John, Here Today

[@dilandilanjoao4310]

After this one, you could check the "Pipes of Peace " record. Also great ✌

[@The5thGen]

I believe this song was written with John in mind.

[@staffanwesterberg9301]

I think you are spot on✌️

[@7bestthings]

The Album "Tug of War" was an absolute masterpiece that Paul recorded following the death of his friend John Lennon. The album is full of great songs, including this title track, "Take it Away," "Ebony and Ivory," and his powerful tribute to John, "Here Today." It is definitely worth taking the time to listen to the full album. Thank you for a great reaction Harri!

[@tombrearton3435]

Don't forget *Ballroom Dancing* If you react to *Here Today* make sure to seek out a live version (e.g. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYXSdqGcaMp0r9k)

[@NathanVeenstra]

Harri already reacted to “Here Today”: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYCrfIWZhtyGfMU

[@danielolson5378]

Paul actually worked with George Martin before this album. Paul wrote Live and Let Die along with Linda for the James Bond movie with the same name and George Martin produced it and conducted the orchestra.

[@ericgriffin247]

Great analogy Harri. It is quite possible Paul wrote it before John's death. It was recorded in early 1981, just after his murder.

[@michaelsmith-sk2zq]

Sessions for the album started in 1980 with Wings. Supposed to be a double album ie Pipes Of Peace.

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

Mybook says that It was begun as an album in the Studios in the latter part of1980 and Paul was in the studio with George Martin. Paul wanted a really professional sound to this one . When the news broke about John the project was suspended until late in 81. Best regards

[@NathanVeenstra]

The whole album is brilliant and I can listen to it front to back without skipping a track. And then repeat, and repeat, and repeat. I did not know until recently that ‘Pipes Of Peace’ was actually made up of songs from the recording sessions for ‘Tug Of War’.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

I agree with Harri & Q, this song is clearly about the persistent tension behind the creative dynamic shared by him and John. And to me, that's what makes it an interesting song. Take that meaning away, and it's rather pedestrian, not one of Paul's best. But the thing is, you cannot really take that meaning away--which makes this a compelling, reaction-worthy track. Thanks, fellas.

[@carlosguerreiro6029]

The song its a masterpiece! ill make Rolling Stone Magazine words to review it mine, they said that Tug of war is Paul McCartney' Imagine! The song is about life and thats a genius comparing life to a Tug of war, in life you try to outscore each other but at the same time you cant let go! Not every Paul song is about the Beatles thank God! And you have your Lennon tribute in Here today in the same album! For me this song is another Pipes of peace like song,being Pipes of peace song more direct and pop, and Tug of war more poetic!

[@debbiechang5781]

I have always loved this song! Thank you so much Stephen! It’s one of those songs I had filed away and nearly forgotten. So glad to have some attention drawn to this beautiful creation. Thanks for your insights Harri 🌺✌️

[@debjorgo]

I'm always surprised how many people don't get the Beatles' references in this, and in the whole album. It is the first release after John was killed. I see "we will be dancing to the beat played on a different drum" as a meaning someday the Beatles' music will all fade away. Other lines from the album: "Sole survivor, carrying the load, switches on his radio. Take it away. I want to hear you play 'til the night is gone.", "If I said I really knew you well, what would your answer be? If you were here today. Well knowing you, you'd probably laugh and say that we were worlds apart.", "It wasn't always such a pretty sight. We used to fight like cats and dogs.", "Your heart just wasn't in it anymore.", "Light out Wanderlust, help us to be free. Take us from the dark, out where we can see. Captain's out to make his mark, this one's not for me.", "You can dress me up as a soldier, but I wouldn't know what for. I was the one who told you he loved you, don't want to go to another war." Yeah, it's the bigger picture too. That's what Paul does.

[@peterkem]

From an article I read once, this was the first album after he had been arrested and held in Japan for pot possession and he was re-evaluating his life and his work. He decided he wanted to achieve more with this album musically so he brought in George Martin and also he wanted the album to be more socially relevant and then John was killed. This is the album that includes the song ''Here Today''. Although I am not discounting that "Tug of War" was about the Beatles, if you put this song in the context of the whole album, this song is about the way humans behave globally.

[@benjaminrupe5930]

I love this album. Not only do you get two duets with Stevie Wonder but another with Carl Perkins! Paul's tribute song to John Lennon is also on this album. It's called Here Today. Highly recommended you listen to the whole thing.

[@sandrotavini8838]

when this album came out he had a lot of sucess .....some song dated from the last years of wings ( on this album Denny Laine is present ) .....everybody wait for this album ( first album recorded after Lennon death ) ....he recorded no one album but two at the same period ( tug of war and pipes of peace ) on air studio of George Martin ....... Tug of war is a gem ( i think you listened take it away and here today ) but i recommanded to you to listen the full album ............ sorry for my bad english

[@michaelsmith-sk2zq]

Correct. Wings broke up in the middle of the album which was supposed to be a double- he used the rest to lay the foundation for Pipes Of Peace.

[@khoohockleong7585]

In Vedic Astrology, all the planets are reincarnations of Vishnu and Saturn rising in Paul McCartney's chart, is a turtle which Vishnu transforms himself into, to hold the mountain on his back with the rope twirled round the mountain, one side pull by the demons and the other side pulled by the demi gods. So here you get to see an ancient parable being applied in real life in a person's chart (whether in a good or bad way depends on a person's chart ).

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

Near the end, Paul holds up a Han Solo figure, from "Empire Strikes Back" -maybe his Son's toy, or Paul could have been a SW' fan.

[@AnySoh]

It's about war and a better future for all.

[@captainmoretokin2172]

William that is.

[@waynecox3958]

You like those strings. George Martin.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

It's about the whole world. You missed the point. Like the song Pipes Of Peace, They are two halves of the same global subject.

[@MyMaria43]

this may have been mentioned, but doesn't PAUL hold a little figurine of Michael Jackson at end of video?

[@dilandilanjoao4310]

Nothing to do with the Beatles. When this came out they're long gone... George Martin was invited as a friend and because of the mood Paul McCartney needed for this particular record ✌☯️

[@dilandilanjoao4310]

I think it's about WARS in general . The misery and destruction they bring to humanity

[@danielandrews6838]

I agree….or not

[@Kieop]

Is it just me or does this song kind of sound like Abba?

[@stevefreary7449]

Nothing to do with the Beatles !!!! Stop it Harri !! It was a song about the future !!!

[@noelnewlon]

Harri, with all due respect to you, your interpretation of this song is completely wrong! The theme of this song relates to issues beyond what The Beatles experienced respective to each other. It's clear that this song has to do with humanity and its struggle to achieve harmonious actualization given diverse resistance in the form of inhumane factions acting to mitigate humanity's efforts to achieve an harmonious resolve.

[@nonrepublicrat]

This song was written many years after the dude ran out of good ideas for new songs. This boring fruity pop song is lame as hell. Having Martin around was just a gimmick to get more record sales from Beatles fans.