Paul McCartney’s Most Complex Song Broken Down

[@Subiromba]

Sir Paul was touring Brazil last month and I had the privilege to see him live, 81 years old, what a performance. There was no "maybes" for me, I was 100% amazed.

[@ansc6472]

Maybe I’m amazed

[@quailstudios]

Maybe I'm Amazed!

[@samuelwarth]

This song is really superb! I mean: bão-dimais-da-conta! Nu!

[@cthomashalversen8604]

​@samuelwarth Legal-Ótimo! Certo. Too good to rate.

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

I saw him in Brisbane, Australia about 2 weeks earlier. Absolutely amazing! I even overheard his warm up set and he played Mrs Vanderbilt ❤❤

[@mallorga1965]

That live version has Paul's vocals at their peak. And the band was spot on. Immortal!

[@GuilhermeSilva-rp2it]

And the solo guitar played by Jimmy McCulloch stands out. The notes are the same, but Jimmy makes all the difference.

[@gilgonzales67]

Totally agree…”spot on, immortal”

[@mallorga1965]

@@GuilhermeSilva-rp2it Oh, yes... The solo! 🎸

[@davidkornblatt851]

Imagine has a chromatic in it

[@sharpvidtube]

I think PM should use his vocals from this period with AI, on his new songs. Other people will use his voice, so why shouldn't he? He's always experimented, so why not try the latest technology?

[@gregfabbruzzo5464]

Great analysis. Based on interviews, Paul doesn't "plan" the chord progressions, etc. He just lets it flow. Remember, he is not a schooled musician. The fact that Paul can create such sophisticated harmonic structure without formal training shows that he is a genius - a once in a lifetime talent. I believe Paul (and the other Beatles) typically used the melody of the song as the base and built it from there. Contrast that with riff rock and its easier to arrive at much more interesting songs, because the melody allows you to do interesting things like use inversions, key changes, and chords that "don't belong" but somehow make it all work as a whole. Even in Beatles music, there are many examples of chords where the bass note drops by half or whole steps. This is on display in this song too, so not new - just Paul's style, and just his natural way of composing. Bravo!

[@pedromarques7457]

You're absolutely right!

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey is the one that gets me . I cannot even begin to conceive how he brought the different components of that together ! When he's asked he says he was just noodling with a chord that he " found "...!

[@CDT00016]

No rock and roll era musican had music theory had nothing but street learning the hard way ,HE IS schooled..its theory anyway..you dont think he knows diatonic harmony...and the like? I guess it's your definition of musically schooled...PhD is entirely different

[@KaraLey98]

@@2msvalkyrie529 You know Paul took piano lessons, right? You get a lot of scales and chords to practice even at first..

[@Chyappology]

Paul has Always said that he Is a chord guy. He build the songs from the chords progression and After put the melody

[@brushstroke3733]

This song, especially this version, gives me chills. I am near tearing up. It's so good and so deeply felt. Paul really loved Linda.

[@seansweeney3532]

I think Paul's coolest and most complex, melodically, harmonically, rhythmically... ARROW THROUGH ME... just so perfect!!!!

[@louiebee6745]

Yes! One of my all-time fave Wings deep cuts! (Even tho it was a single.)

[@seansweeney3532]

@louiebee6745 yea, and he even made that awesome cycling odd time brass figure, in 7... Even the count on the intro is funky... the chording as well...

[@louiebee6745]

​​​@@seansweeney3532Exactly yes! That opening bass line (sounds like the Fender Rhodes) going F# to G then chromatically home to E. And that bridge? Yeah throw in Cmaj7 to Bbmaj7 just because! Friggin genius level!👍👍

[@akwilson1676]

Martha My Dear I think is fairly complex

[@joelwright4317]

Maybe I’m Amazed is flat out one the best and beautiful songs of the rock era. I still get chills listening to it even though I’ve listened to it hundreds of times.

[@MarcoZehe]

What an excellent breakdown, as always! By the way: My 13 year old neece contacted my wife and me yesterday because she was tasked with writing an essay about the Beatles for her English class. She had never heard of them. My wife and I supplied her with some basic facts and achievements, and gave her some pointers to start listening to. The first song my neece and her mom listened to was Now And Then, and that sent them down a rabbit hole for hours, and my neece totally fell in love with Beatles music. I will be sure to expand her musical taste with some of Paul and John solo stuff, too.

[@maeveofthelongbows9552]

(Niece)

[@rain_down_]

Paul has so many incredible solo songs, and I think this and The Back Seat Of My Car top the lot - both stunning.

[@MusicMan73790]

Such a great song, indeed. But....there are SOOOO many. Paul is untouchable.

[@Skedawg88]

@@MusicMan73790 "Call Me Back Again', just great and in my top McCartney ten.

[@Meneervdberg]

The Back Seat Of My Car is a very complex song and very original! Edit: It's my favorite Paul song and favorite of all time

[@paulseitz672]

I was lucky enough to see Paul McCartney at Madison Square Garden in 1989 and he, of course, played this song. Recently, I brought my 19 year old daughter to see him (she discovered the Beatles in her early teens) in Sydney and he played it again. And to my ear, they both sounded super close to the Wings Over America version. When I think about the top ten things I have given to my daughter, seeing a Beatle is on that list.

[@apnira10]

I did and feel the same. Saw Macca 2019 in LA with my son and again Oct 2023 in Sydney with my daughter. Special memories!

[@danjacobson9881]

I saw him at Soldier Field in Chicago

[@chrisanderson8094]

I was at that 89 show also - it was ab fabulous. I was also there in '76 for first US tour - a lot of fun seeing my 3rd solo Beatle show at that time!

[@GBHP]

I took my 12 and 10 year old to see him in Sydney too. They love the Beatles and Wings. The next generation of fans….

[@annanikia7949]

She is so lucky! I love to see that young people dig the Beatles and Paul McCartney!

[@johnmichaelson9173]

Year's later I went to the same (Liverpool Institute for Boy's) school as Paul and George. So (& thank you Mr McCartney) it's late November 1979 & out of the blue we get told Paul has invited us all down to the Royal Court theatre to see Wings. You know when there are times in life that you're just not expecting, well this was a real WtF!!! moment. Kicks in with "Got to get you into my life" ninth song in "Baby I'm Amazed" hairs on the back of the neck moment, followed by "Fool On the Hill" then "Let it Be" a few Wings songs then Eddie Cochran "Twenty Fight Rock" & Denny Laine does "Go Now" lest we forget Denny Laine was a brilliant musician. Amongst others "Coming up" "Yesterday" "Mull of Kintyre" & ends with "Band on the Run". Apparently so I've been told every Beatles song other than "Yesterday" was a live debut. We were the first to hear those Beatles songs played live. Thank you Mr McCartney.🙂

[@randykintzley5923]

Paul's voice is great at that stage of life. He still has range, but there's a bit of a roughness and grit that gives it so much character and feeling.

[@TimBoulette]

Personally I think this is McCartney's best song. What an incredible tribute to Linda.

[@WERC-lawyer]

It is great ... "Sometimes" is also a wonderful, if bittersweet, tribute to "Linderrr"....

[@dabreu]

Not too sure he inspired on Linda to compose this song.

[@lymangreen5020]

I agree, totally!!!

[@EmmanuelGoldstein3]

One thing I noticed watching this is how you can tell that the distorted chorus vocal is comfortably within his range, that while it's intended to mimic straining, it really isn't a strain at all. And that allows him to get such full tone in it.

[@Muzikman127]

bullshit! lol. That belted "ever help me!!" is absolutely at the edge of his range! And he rarely if ever went for it live. It's an incredible vocal performance on the studio cut without a doubt, but it's not feigned straining, he's giving it everything he's got!

[@AlbieSol560]

Supreme songwriter and incredible vocalist!

[@BathtubBass]

I love Paul McCartney! He's the reason I started playing bass! As you can tell from the profile picture, got the Hofner, got the Rick, love it!

[@rickknight1810]

I was lucky enough to be at one of the Wings concerts that year, here in Chicago. We had balcony seats that were BEHIND the stage, but that turned out to be awesome because Paul had an upright piano right below us that he sat at to do this song. On top of being one of the best concerts overall that I've ever seen, seeing him play the piano and sing that song right in front of us was indescribable.

[@ElvisBeery]

You just played that piano part at the beginning, and I instantly got goosebumps, my heart rate went up, and I felt excitement as a huge smile formed on my face, knowing I get to hear you gush about this song for a half hour 👂❤❤❤

[@gettinhungrig8806]

What are you talking about? He's just going round the circle of 5ths: B flat, F, C, G

[@michaelparker3709]

He can play anything he wants, if it gives people goosebumps, it's great. THIS is great! Baby, I'm amazed. Have been since I first heard it around early 70's, and I'm not a fan of The Beatles, McCartney in particular. He always had the skills but mostly screwed around with lame lyrics, especially in Wings. This is a masterpiece. 😎💞

[@charlyacevedo1775]

I saw Paul live in December 1993,the first time he came to my country,Argentina. At that time he was presenting his new album Off The Ground. It was an emotional experience as i rarely felt. I was 10 years old again. I was born listening to The Beatles and i will die listening to them.

[@michellegiardinobast7471]

Thank you Rick, I love this song. Hard to believe it was released 53 years ago. It is a classic and never gets old.

[@GaiaCarney]

Golden ✨

[@James-In-Exile]

Great breakdown of a monumental song (and performance). If you ever get the chance to speak to McCartney it could be a landmark interview as you would be asking him different kinds of questions that almost no one has before.

[@tockita]

oh yes!! As much as I love Paul, I'm so tired of people asking him how he came up with Yesterday and he explaining it for the millionth time. I would love for people to ask him more about his solo career

[@j_e_hill]

Agree. And from a person who knows music theory to a maestro that knows none of it, yet wrote the songbook. Would be fascinating. Paul has said he doesn’t even know how to read sheet music.

[@carolball5764]

@@j_e_hillNow that is what I would call absofooking AmaZing..😮

[@stationminute]

When you stop and consider that Paul was unleashing these incredible vocals night after night, tour after tour, it's a wonder he has any voice left at all. Paul truly gave everything he could to the fans.

[@krollpeter]

That guy is one of the greatest singers in pop that Britain produced, and extremely versatile. From silly love songs, heavy metal, blues, to jazz, he can everything.

[@maryrosekent8223]

So long as you breath properly and engage your diaphragm, you should be able to sing however long you want. The throat is an air conduit, not a music maker-the vocal cords are found along the throat, but they’re not part of the throat.

[@Sungodv]

one of the greatest Rock vocalists ever, but sad to say, it's been gone for years now

[@Nicksonian]

Paul has also taken very good care of himself.

[@krollpeter]

@@Sungodv Yep, but it doesn't matter much. He is still engaging on-stage.

[@aquamarine99911]

This should finally get Macca to agree to come on Rick's channel (if it hasn't already, based on that intro). Until then, Rick Rubin's masterful interview on "McCartney 3-2-1" on Disney+ will continue to be the standard. Paul sitting at the piano explaining how he came up with stuff was ... uh, amazing!

[@grimmertwin2148]

Ditto I thought I was the only one lol

[@gutgolf74]

It's not "masterful" - Rick Rubin just didn't know enough about The Beatles to ask the right questions - it was just very standard. He didn't even know that Paul was drumming on Back in the USSR!!

[@aquamarine99911]

@@gutgolf74 No-one really cares about the drumming on that straight ahead rock song (although I'd really like to know who did the drum fills at the end of Dear Prudence. Did Ringo come back to do those?). What Rubin - who's a legend himself - did was park Paul in front a piano and show us how he composes. I've never seen another interviewer do that.

[@gutgolf74]

@@aquamarine99911 Yes, Rubin is a legendary producer and a cool guy - BUT he didn't know the HARD questions, like the one you mentioned! HOW can you miss the chance to clear those things up once and for all?! Btw, Ringo wasn't there when they recorded it and Ken Scott confirmed they didn't do later overdubs, so it must be Paul.

[@bosullivan5462]

Rubin's interview was amazing

[@patrickcrowther9195]

The McCartney rasp is one of the wonders of music.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I always enjoy his vocals from the mid to late 70s - I think his voice was at its height.

[@patrickcrowther9195]

⁠@@simonhodgetts6530Absolutely. I think his peak as a vocalist was from 1975-1979.

[@rickalexanderguitar]

Yep, he had an incredibly good voice from the late 60s through the 70s.

[@pputnam100]

@@rickalexanderguitar sorry, but what the hell are you silly guys talking about..??!! You're saying one of the greatest singers in modern music only had a brief window of some 4 or 5 years? Damn you guys just made absolute fools of yourselves in public.

[@seansweeney3532]

I think he earned that way back in Hamburg!

[@charliejohnson1785]

Hey Rick please don’t quit KZbin your absolutely right we follow you because we love what you do Tks

[@crungefactory]

There are many places to post. Rumble, for example

[@michaeljaymurdock]

Yeah I say don't leave KZbin either because that's pretty much all I watch as I'm too lazy to look up any of the others if you leave I probably won't catch your videos Rick and I'm sure there are many others like me

[@simonhodgetts6530]

The Wings Over America version of Maybe I’m Amazed is fantastic - probably the highlight of the album. But, l love the original recording - McCartney’s vocal is fantastic. It wasn’t recorded at home, as was most of McCartney - Paul obviously knew this song was special, so he recorded it at Abbey Road, in studio 2.

[@CorbCorbin]

I really dig the live covers of it, that the Faces did, when Wood and Stewart were in the band, with Lane singing it.

[@aj.s...]

I prefer the McCartney 1 version too... Probably his all-time best vocal performance.

[@thanks5009]

You’re totally right, I think the same, and you know that he recorded this song properly on Studio 2 of EMI 😎

[@steveparish9210]

Jimmy McCullough did a great job on the solo

[@RomelVelasco]

Paul once said the no-fail formula to writing a song is to write rolling down chords, this song being a classic sample.

[@jeffwessman]

I love the outro "yeah, yeah, yeahs" on this live version. His vocal prowess is at its finest.

[@GeoTactics]

This song like so many McCartney songs sound so perfect... like the chord changes were thought of easily. I think he was singing a melody and then looking for a the chordal changes afterwards. It's just genius. Nothing like it now.

[@jimz68]

Faces did a great rendition of this tune. Ronnie Lane (RIP) sings the opening verse with Rod kicking in after. Gives me shivers to this day.

[@dalefriday5496]

Learning a song by ear is probably my most favorite activity ever. I was blessed to get a very good ear, and figuring out chords, vocal harmonies, and even drum licks is something I can do for hours without any noticing the passing of time. I discovered early on that with Paul McCartney, you can't always go by the bass note, because he doesn't always play the root note, which to me is part of his genius knowledge of music language. One of the hardest songs I've ever tried to break down is "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted". The bass does not play the root of the overlaying chords for most of the song. I would love to see you do a breakdown of that song.

[@callanturner4749]

Always been one of my favourite Paul songs. Apart from the song being brilliant and well written,…… what a voice! Off his first solo album. Paul played all the instruments (including the solo). Every Night is off the same album and is also a good song. Genius.

[@shay5025]

One of the things I always loved about Paul McCartney is how he often sticks three songs in one. A lot of the stuff from his first two solo albums like Uncle Albert for instance has these extended changes that sound like a whole other similar related but awesome song. I was reminded of this listening to an old Sufjan Stevens album yesterday and realized he kind of does the same thing... more great melodies than he knows what to do with.

[@donstewart6000]

Thats such a true and great observation a genius act

[@circulati]

When I first listened to his first solo album that’s exactly what I thought. This guy is like: you get a melody, you get a melody, everybody gets a melody! So much talent and such a genuinely decent person ❤

[@fishguy911]

I call these songs the ‘medley’ songs, and they are some of my favorite Beatles/ Paul McCartney songs.

[@tockita]

i call these songs "mccartney's specials"

[@j_e_hill]

Agree so much. When I was young I hated it. Now I see the genius in it. And it is so much more timeless and re-listenable as a result.

[@mkhud50n]

That live Wings concert is 🔥. Hit after hit at peak performance level.

[@CloudyMcCloud00]

Great stuff. Apparently Macca wrote this in 1969 - just before the breakup of the Beatles. The chromatic scale reminds me of a similar bit towards the end of "Surf's Up" (1971) by the Beach Boys, where the bass of the piano rolls repeatedly from low F to C, mostly chromatically, during the fade out. And the falsettos remind me of Elton John in Tiny Dancer! The 70s were the best indeed!

[@aj.s...]

People talk about George's solo career a lot, and rightfully so, but I think Paul was really the standout. His solo stuff and his Wings stuff is just impeccable. And through them, in my opinion, it becomes clear that he was really the primary driving force behind the Beatles.

[@BathtubBass]

Agreed. Ranking the Beatles solo careers is pretty straight forward: Mccartney Harrison Lennon Starr

[@grimmertwin2148]

Mull of Kintyre? Lullaby?

[@Romantictouch-x7v]

I think it’s mostly from All things must pass being on of the greatest albums ever made

[@_dark3489]

Lennon was miles above Harrison lol

[@fillhixx]

None of them were racing against anyone so ranking is irrelevant and quite a misdirection of intent. (Yes, I hear your John/Paul rebut... they Pushed each other, not racing.)

[@worldwyn]

Maybe I’m amazed that Paul wrote this song in February 1970 after a short trip across the English countryside with Linda and her young daughter…and within a few weeks recorded this song in one evening on February 15. Maybe I’m amazed that Paul sang this song…and played the piano…and played the bass guitar…and played the drum kit…and played the Hammond organ…and performed additional rhythm parts…and played the lead guitar solos…every part of the recording that was included on the album. And maybe I’m just completely…blown…away, but then again, this is the astounding Paul McCartney we are talking about!

[@pi-sx3mb]

I saw Wings in concert sometime in the mid '70's when this was a standard setlist piece. It makes me heartsick the embarrassment of riches we took for granted back then. Great breakdown of a beautiful, soulful song.

[@TK-fk4po]

Such a beautiful chord progression.

[@jomppe2800]

Macca has so many tricky songs, like The Pound Is Sinking, The Back Seat of My Car, Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey... you name it.

[@Blinki18284]

Arrow through me. Great riff and very sophisticated.

[@GlendaSmith-c9e]

@@Blinki18284 A favorite of mine also.

[@wrayvon121]

Rick once again cleansing his soul from the current top 10 list.

[@zaziou711]

It wasn't the worst though

[@richardyates9452]

@@zaziou711completely agree, somewhat surprised compared to other top 10 lists

[@aquatarkus2022]

The way I feel after going into almost any public places today. I need to exorcise that crap.

[@zaziou711]

@@aquatarkus2022 For a true music lover, It's like a virus or an alien invasion

[@frankm.schmiedelgetcoachin1572]

Paul and the Beatles have certainly always been the biggest inspiration for me as a musician and especially as a songwriter. This life's work is unbelievable. Thank you, dear Rick, for the repeated appreciation. If you're at NAMM, you definitely shouldn't miss AmpX from bluguitar from Germany. God bless you

[@moniphil]

Paul had such a beautiful sweet voice. I truly think that all the distortion he put into his delivery over the thousands of concerts he played over the decades took its toll and is a huge reason why his voice now is reduced to a shadow of its former glory. (I saw him in 2013, shadow of former glory voice and all, … and I still loved it!)

[@StumpkillerCP]

My family traditionally rented a cottage in Atlantic City, NJ, for two weeks in the summer. In 1970 (I was 11) this song was constant on the boardwalk. And that was a great thing. Still love it.

[@angelsshare.]

Guitarist Jimmy McCulloch died in 1979 at age 26 of a drug overdose, I believe. He added so much talent to Wings at such a young age. Another cool Wings live performance features Denny Laine's "Go Now", and Jimmy rips on the lead guitar.

[@gonepickin990]

Keep on stickin' your hand in the medicine jar...

[@alanmiller7867]

Jimmy deserves to be remembered as one of the best rock guitarists of the 70's. Not an innovator like Page or Beck, but just one of the most melodic players with one of the best tones around. And a tip of the hat to the memory of the great Denny Laine who was a tremendous talent in his own right and contributed so much to Wings' success.

[@toms6756]

When Denny & Jimmy were there with him, it was definitely a special time.

[@bosullivan5462]

Paul wrote the solo on Maybe I'm amazed and played it himself. Jimmy performed it 6 years later in the wings over America Tour

[@davegto67]

@@alanmiller7867 Jimmy never wasted a note. Yes, great guitar tone as well.

[@ursulamills2240]

Thank you for breaking down this song, Rick. This is such a captivating song to listen to. And its fascinating to hear and see it broken down. I learned to play the song back in the late 70's, and it was challenging to learn to play. You are the reason why I took up playing guitar again after many years. Your channel, and your enthusiasm for the music got me inspired to play and study music again. And i now listen to and appreciate music differently, and to a higher degree because of your channel. Great video, Rick! 🎶🎶👍

[@bobbyricelatinjazzbigband]

Subdominant Minor: Dmaj - Bb (borrows notes from the Minor scale of the tonic key). Chords: bVI maj7/bVII7/IVmin/IImin7(b5) -- and you could add the bIImaj7 even though it has the flat II, which is not part of the minor scale.

[@OldStreetDoc]

There are certainly a lot of recordings to choose from. But personally, I think this is the best recording I’ve ever heard of Paul McCartney singing. It’s so full of emotion. So much that in many places you can feel the rawness of his emotion in his voice. The levels of individual musicianship of The Beatles, I hope, will continue to amaze me in the same ways it always has.

[@johncollier9280]

I bought Paul McCartney's lp Flaming Pie when it was released, gave it a listen, then shelved it. Recently I heard the song Somedays, not realizin' it was from Flaming Pie. This song is a true revelation! Me thinks it be one o' Paul's greatest compositions ever. I highly recommend it to any 'n everyone who is a fan. Do yourself a favor 'n check out this fantastic song.

[@mosheorenbuch8159]

When I saw Sir Paul a few years ago - he started this song - and then apologized for being distracted and re-started - and said “that song has a lot of chords and I was watching the sign that was waving in the front of the audience”. Was such a special moment- what a great song and great performer.

[@jedhenson1]

When I saw Paul a couple years ago, after about 7 opening songs, he walked from the front of the stage back to a big grand piano, and I thought huh, I wonder what he's going to play now? Opening chords to Maybe I'm Amazed, swoon!

[@NomeeNome1]

In every note that flows, an unseen hand, Behind the music's pulse, a silent stand. The force that stirs the strings, ignites the fiery Sun, In each melody, its silent work is spun. The one who composes and sings every song Is the eternal presence, enduring and strong.

[@1rwjwith]

This song is an absolute masterpiece of songwriting . It may be MCCARTNEYS best solo song and it was right out of the gate.

[@LuizAlexandre_lalex]

Thank you Rick, thank you so much! I was recently amazed by the Allianz Parque show in São Paulo. This song it’s one of my favorites. The first time I saw a Macca show was at the Maracanã stadium in Rio back in the 90s. Linda was still performing with the band at that time. Since then, I’ve gone to every tour he’s done here in Brazil. The first time I took my son to a concert, we were almost at Paul’s front row in Belo Horizonte. I told him that he would likely never see anything like this again in his lifetime. Paul McCartney is the best musician since Beethoven, nothing less.

[@thehark6247]

wow, a sucker is born every minute. He isnt all that good, seen him twice and twice i thought objectively, eh.

[@carolball5764]

@@thehark6247Your comment exudes the most obnoxious negativity. Got to get it out of your life dude!!

[@lg4360]

Greatest song writer in modern history........genius.

[@grahamjarman]

lennon lol

[@frederickebene]

Yep, most conflicted as well. Billy will never get the true recognition. That's why he got mega rich as a pay off.

[@BathtubBass]

No way, Lennon's solo career sucked apart from 2 songs. I'd argue George Harrison had a more successful solo career than Lennon.

[@OskarSvan]

⁠@@BathtubBassmore successful? No.

[@grahamjarman]

@@BathtubBass yea solo no go. but lennon was is and always will be leader of beatles. lol. its ok, i like macca too. but artistically lennon is king

[@LionelGeek]

Love, love love this song. Especially the live version from Wings Over America! Not surprised at all this is the song you chose to dissect. Thank you Rick!

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

One of my favorites. Thank you Rick! It captures his experiences and his wonder with mastery, but there’s great power and playfulness sprinkled in.

[@jakewaldman6243]

What song is it?

[@jv_marchiori]

Saw him last month, he was absolutely amazing. The whole show was breathtaking, flawless even at 81

[@Hbomb731]

That high note.. notes..was in a single moment in a single song at a single time that landed with perfection! Completely feeling the moment in the song. If that makes any sense. Completely devoted to that moment.

[@claire1965ify]

Thank you Rick for covering this song and the amazing Paul McCartney!

[@rainman1ism]

It's good to hear your voice again! I have been busy taking care of my wife, but your musical sharing is healing my bones and soul!!!! And your abilities inspire me to keep on keeping on!

[@TheJoshuamooney]

You do a great job of showing a non-pro WHY the song is so exceptional. Much appreciated.

[@khoury2000]

I'm grateful that Paul has continued to perform live for fans to enjoy, even multiple generations to enjoy him together in concert.

[@HeyBulldog-Beatles-Tribute]

I understand this point of view but I'm not agree with that: he should have stop for a long time because his voice is really too bad, I can't personnally hear his lives and even his albums for many years... He's my idol, I play and sing his songs on stage for many years and I don't want to hear him like that. He was too perfect, when you're down you have to stop, to quit at the good moment. :) (excuse my English, I'm French :) )

[@blueslexie]

Paul decides when he stops, not you. Thats freedom, and thats R&R. Just don't listen....@@HeyBulldog-Beatles-Tribute

[@gutgolf74]

@@HeyBulldog-Beatles-Tribute THANK YOU!!! That's what I keep saying, he should have stopped singing it after his comeback tour in 89! It's just terrible and agonizing to listen to.

[@khoury2000]

So millions of fans should miss the thrill of seeing Paul so you don't have to endure listening to him sing live? 😂

[@HeyBulldog-Beatles-Tribute]

@@khoury2000 Yes, 😂because young people could remember the artist has a "old man who sings" like it is the case about our RIP French Idols: Johnny Hallyday or Charles Aznavour etc... :) I'm a musician, that why maybe I'm very sensible about that (and that's why I love Paul! :) )

[@charliejg]

Incredibly beautiful song. I just listed it yesterday as my favorite Paul McCartney song in one of those posts on Twitter. The live version of the song has so much feeling.

[@AMOS2809]

I like this song very much. I wish l can play piano. This song is deep. It goes deep into my feeling and I can feel how Paul was feeling when he was penning this song. Great music, great song by Paul.

[@richiecactus4412]

Another classic Rick.... one of my favorite PM songs.... happy tears flowing down man !!

[@jackprice7828]

Paul was amazing on piano. So creative!

[@Hawkissimo]

I'm thrilled to see you discuss my favorite song by Paul McCartney he wrote post Beatles. It'd be amazing, pun intended, for you to get him to do an interview episode! If that every happens, please have him talk about this song!!!

[@leftyamazed]

My all time favourite song. Rockshow was my favourite Betamax when I was a kid. I wore that tape out. When Rockshow finally got released on DVD at the same time as Wings Over America got re-issued on CD (because the original CD version was missing an entire side of the LP), I was in hog heaven.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Yep ! Venus and Mars / Rockshow .. Only McCartney could have written them.

[@treborretlaw]

I heard Denny Laine say , that Linda's vocal have been a big part of the WIngs sound. I never heard that before, but now I can't unlisten it. And in a good way. I guess Linda , who never claimed to be a musician, had to learn very fast, as her husband wanted her in the band. And I did she did great!

[@eyesuckle]

I have always been amazed that after working for all those years with the Beatles and having access to those incredible harmonies, McCartney was able to shift to incorporating Linda's very distinctive harmonies into his solo songs without, seemingly, breaking a sweat.

[@victorsixtythree]

I had almost forgotten about this song and then I saw McCartney play it live on the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary show (introduced by Keith Richards!) (Wait, that was from back in 2015?? So we're almost at the 50th anniversary of SNL? Yow...) What a great song!

[@mongofan1]

The public schools where I am (Santa Fe, NM) still have music programs beginning at 4th grade through high school. High school has marching band, concert band, orchestra, and choir. As far as I know, this is the case throughout the state, with likely exception in very small towns (some rural schools may only have nine or ten kids at each grade level). In Fort Collins, my sister's kids had all the above plus jazz band.

[@akeleven]

Yes the wealthy still can afford the best schools

[@4hose4u]

I've learned this song before and it does blow your mind how many chords are in this, and then they're more! It's almost a Beethoven b side. Hopefully he'll be remembered for this one, he seemed like he had extra freedom to create around this period

[@michaelhawkes5110]

The tone and feel for the live guitar solo is one of my favorites!

[@gib59er56]

I never got into Paul`s post-Beatles material. It was not a decision that I was conscience of, it just kinda passed on by me, leaving me aware of a few songs that stood out and were fantastic. While "amazed' is a great composition, and a "perfect pop tune", and Paul knows how to write them better than anyone. Pretty damn cool seeing Rick hitting on the elements that make this song so powerful and no matter how much you try, it sticks in your mind on a loop for days and days. McCartney is the master of "silly love songs". He just has it in his DNA. If you begin to think about how many songwriters have been influenced by , or attempted to emulate or copy him is an astronomical number. Thank you Rick, and thank you Paul. I need my Rick fix every day !!

[@petedavid9946]

Awesome! I have considered 1976, and right around that year, to be the best ever in music. I’ve always been a hard rock kind of guy but this interesting tune by Sir Paul has always been my favorite of all his songs and even one of my favorites during that great year of music. This is obviously not in the hard rock genre yet I’ve always loved this song.

[@mattmichael6792]

That live version is electrifying and the sound quality is epic. I wonder if they did any post production overdubs (like Shea Stadium)… It’s SO good it’s almost unbelievable

[@crungefactory]

They did alot of overdubs on WOA...

[@jakewaldman6243]

What song is he talking about I haven’t watched yet?

[@stephenlight647]

@@jakewaldman6243 “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Wings (Paul McCartney)

[@IreneThibault-b6x]

I’m amazed at how clear this explanation was.

[@cynthiaporcaro9937]

Definitely the most talented musician of all time! He writes plays and gives his all in everything ❤ he's a treasure

[@philcrosby8931]

Rick, you are so talented in picking up the chord sequence on the fly. A great analysis. Of course, Paul famously couldn't read or write music, which in my mind enhances his skill. By the way, Rick, you forgot to put the actual song in the YT clip title - that would help heaps.

[@Joseph-v3c5c]

This and the vocal from I've Got a Feeling are definitely two of his best!

[@peterengland2892]

The melodic power and beauty of this song still brings has me to tears

[@cgeescorts1487]

Nothing can compare to hearing these songs for the first time. Eleanor Rigby, Strawberry Fields, Deuce and 100,000 years from Kiss Alive, Turbo Lover, Blood Red Skies from JP, Eruption, Spanish Fly, Mean Street from Van Halen, and of course Maybe I'm Amazed from Paul. All just magical from a sacred spiritual place.

[@zosothezephead837]

Great review. Reminds me of a professor of music at a US university reviewing/breaking down the Brian Wilson composition 'Warmth of the Sun' in the excellent 1995 I Just Wasn't Made For These Times documentary. BW was constantly looking over his shoulder at The Beatles' latest compositions, which is probably why the two have produced such a high calibre of music.

[@scottwheeler2494]

Sir Paul wrote this song because it FELT right, not because he understood any music theory, or he’ll, even what chord he might be playing. That’s what is amazing. He didn’t know how to play the piano in the usual sense - it was all by ear. A talent he shares with Dave Grohl and others who write amazing music. But few ever as good a Sir Paul.

[@gooddaysahead1]

It feels right to me!

[@ildaruk8293]

I love your comment!!!

[@pauln7058]

Absolutely 💯 % right. Music is our way of expressing feelings and emotions. Paul somehow has the skill to bring this into his music.... goodness knows how but the fact he can is testament and a credit to him, plus us all who have had the opportunity to hear his skills coming through. One of my most favourite solo albums of Sir Psul's is Flaming Pie. One thing I feel about Paul is that he benefits when working with other great musicians as it urges him to try harder and better. John challenged him in The Beatles, Elvis Costello pushed him on Flowers in the dirt' , Jeff Lynne pushed him on Flaming Pie (I don't think there's a bad song anywhere on that album!). Paul likes a challenge and always does his best to rise above the challenges. Eric Stewart was another who pushed him too. Paul has an inbuilt desire not to be outdone, and I feel his best music comes out when he is 'challenged'. He wants to be the best... and he truly is !!! We are SO damned lucky. I'm privileged to have seen him live 9 times since 1979 (Wings at Newcastle City Hall). I saw his concert in Detroit in 2005.where he sounded awesome. But in concert since then (despite his best efforts) his voice has gradually suffered 😢 My thought is the awful divorce affected him badly. He both looked and sounded rough after the divorce, and has struggled ever since 🤷‍♂️ ....unfortunately despite his mega efforts 😢. Dad used to tell me "God loves a trier".... there are few in music who I can think of who have tried harder than Sir Paul, and he's STILL trying ! 😮 !! Exceptional man !! A true star of the highest order !!! 🌟⭐

[@TonyVirili]

Thank you, Rick. I love that you are building one of the most magnificent libraries of material that teaches and preserves the magic of song writing, performing, and production. Something I fear could get lost if not for those like yourself taking the time to do this ❤🙏

[@neomacchio4692]

Haven’t watched yet but hope it’s Maybe I’m Amazed! It’s my fave tune and absolutely BRILLIANT. I cover it and it’s the most fun part of the gig!

[@raraujo4951]

Unreal..... soulful... top composition and execution... never seen not even close in nowadays music..

[@Fartman71]

I tear up listening to this song. The energy Sir Paul puts into it and the chord progressions are just... amazing.

[@charlottemacdonald4167]

The Beatles are like Bach. Timeless. People will be studying their music for centuries.

[@JK-vc7ie]

This song is not the Beatles.

[@danielpalmer6266]

J.S. Bach, the greatest composer who ever lived on this planet, had been ignored by the music community till nearly 100 years after he died. 😉

[@JK-vc7ie]

@@danielpalmer6266 That is not true.

[@sensemaya1]

@@JK-vc7ieIt's true. Mendelssohn revived his music thankfully.

[@JK-vc7ie]

@@sensemaya1 You are overstating it. Bach was not ignored in his lifetime.

[@thowell21]

Thank you Rick. McCartney is my favorite artist. Once I started watching this video, I immediately had to run to my piano to try it out. As always, your translation is spot on. The only difference is that I call the second chord in the intro a “Dm/F”, so my brain can relay the data to my fingers easier. 🙂

[@Erschophone]

D/F# > DmI7/F is just much more logical And as F6 = Dmi7/F the way we notate it is optional.

[@chilifinger]

Amazing how Blues-ey the feel of this song is, tho not strictly using a traditional blues scale - more like dorian but not quite. So inventive, complex, sophisticated. I think Gershwin would have liked this. Nice work Rick!!

[@stevehoogenakker9619]

I've always loved this song, especially the live version. Now I know why!

[@lisa-mariegray5510]

Saw Paul perforning recently in Sydney. One of the best nights of my whole life. He is phenomenal.

[@briano.1503]

I started playing guitar in 1976 too. Rick is way better than I am LOL! ✌😂👍🎸🎼🎵🎶

[@duncaninglis3806]

I'd give certain parts of my anatomy in order to be able to sing like Paul. His scream is to die for. Why don't we do it in the Road, Oh Darling, I've got a Feeling and others. Chills and shivers, chills and shivers.

[@carolynrabbani6469]

I wonder why Paul is consistently ranked lower than Lennon for example, and many other vocalists on top 100 type lists. I say this not to denigrate the brilliant John Lennon, I can appreciate both, but to honestly ask, "what am I missing?". Is it just popular to always rank McCartney below lennon because popular thinking is that Lennon has to be better on any list? Because as much as I love John's vocals, surely arguably, Mccartney is better. More range, more versatility, better pitch etc. I know this sounds crazy, but perhaps due to Rolling Stone, and Phillip Norman among others, I still think Mccartney has yet to be appreciated as he deserves for the musician he is, and for his singing particularly.

[@tombock336]

One of the greatest live vocals in rock history.

[@Sean_Farmer]

This live version of 'Maybe I'm Amazed' is my favorite Paul McCartney song, which is (IMO) far superior to the studio recording in almost every way, especially when it comes to the energy. Not maybe, but definitely amazed the first time I heard it! 😉

[@EvonZundel]

Agreed! The live version obliterates the album version. And I love both!

[@sakke877]

Nah this is slower And not as clean but still good

[@triptoyourheart]

Studio version has WAY superior vocals.

[@reflect916]

Amazing. Your analysis never disappoints.

[@grahamehadden4320]

When I lived in Ballymoney I was friends with Henry McCullough's Brother Victor. I got into a recording session with Henry and was amazed to watch the master at work.

[@maremaid15]

McCartney is an absolute genius. Thank you for doing this. This song is my favorite of his solo career and I always wanted it to be analyzed. The lyrics are fantastic and he sounds fantastic vocally. Really I’m such a Beatles fan and a Lennon fan but McCartney really is a major genius. You just have to give it to him.❤️. Thank you Rick! Another great analysis!

[@hw343434]

Agree but there is No major Genius than Lennon

[@thomaskittock2866]

Just heard this version yesterday, and on vinyl! It's a joy, that record is one of my favorite live albums. It's a surprisingly *funky* ballad, it keeps you engaged the whole time. Masterpiece.