Rocky Raccoon

The Beatles

About Rocky Raccoon

"Rocky Raccoon" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1968 double album The Beatles (also known as the "White Album"). It was primarily written by Paul McCartney, although credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. McCartney began writing the song in Rishikesh, India, where the Beatles were studying Transcendental Meditation in the early months of 1968. John Lennon and Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan, who joined the Beatles on their retreat, also made contributions to the song. The Marvel Comics character Rocket Raccoon, created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen, was inspired by the song's title and some of the lyrics. 


Year:
1968
3:33
727 
#6

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Now somewhere in the Black Mountain Hills of Dakota
There lived a young boy named Rocky Raccoon
And one day his woman ran off with another guy
Hit young Rocky in the eye
Rocky didn't like that
He said, "I'm gonna get that boy"
So one day he walked into town
Booked himself a room in the local saloon

Rocky Raccoon checked into his room
Only to find Gideon's Bible
Rocky had come, equipped with a gun
To shoot off the legs of his rival
His rival it seems, had broken his dreams
By stealing the girl of his fancy
Her name was Magill, and she called herself Lil
But everyone knew her as Nancy
Now she and her man, who called himself Dan
Were in the next room at the hoe down
Rocky burst in, and grinning a grin
He said, "Danny boy, this is a showdown"
But Daniel was hot, he drew first and shot
And Rocky collapsed in the corner

Now the doctor came in, stinking of gin
And proceeded to lie on the table
He said, "Rocky, you met your match"
And Rocky said, "Doc, it's only a scratch
And I'll be better, I'll be better, Doc, as soon as I am able"

Now Rocky Raccoon, he fell back in his room
Only to find Gideon's Bible
Gideon checked out, and he left it, no doubt
To help with good Rocky's revival

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. Their best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era's sociocultural revolutions. more »

57 fans

Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Creation
"Rocky Raccoon" is a song by the Beatles from their 1968 double album The Beatles (also known as the "White Album").
Authorship
The song was primarily written by Paul McCartney, though, as with many Beatles songs, it is officially credited to Lennon-McCartney.
Genre
"Rocky Raccoon" can be classified as a folk rock song, with elements of country and ragtime.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by the folk music of Bob Dylan and other artists the Beatles were listening to at the time.
Setting
McCartney has described the song as a Western. It tells the comical story of a young man, Rocky Raccoon, who seeks vengance on a romantic rival.
Original Title
The original title of the song was "Rocky Sassoon", but Paul McCartney changed it to "Rocky Raccoon" because he thought it sounded more like a cowboy.
Song Lyrics
The song is known for its storytelling lyrics, punctuated by McCartney's country-inflected vocal and an acoustic guitar backing.
Instrumentation
Unique instruments used in this track include a harmonica and a honky-tonk piano, played by producer George Martin.
Recording Time
"Rocky Raccoon" was recorded during a single session on 15 August 1968. The song went through nine takes before they landed on the final version.
Reception
While "Rocky Raccoon" was never released as a single, it still managed to become a fan favourite over the years.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Harry Nilsson, Phish, and Jack Johnson.

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