When I'm Sixty-Four

The Beatles

About When I'm Sixty-Four

"When I'm Sixty-Four" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles, written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon–McCartney) and released on their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. It was one of the first songs written by McCartney, who wrote it when he was 16. The song was recorded in a different key than the final recording; it was sped up at the request of McCartney to make his voice sound younger. It prominently features a trio of clarinets (two regular clarinets and one bass clarinet) throughout.  


Year:
1967
2:37
1,903 
#15

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When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine

If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

You'll be older too
And if you say the word
I could stay with you

I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride
Doing the garden, digging the weeds
Who could ask for more

Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

Every summer we can rent a cottage
In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera, Chuck and Dave

Send me a postcard, drop me a line
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away

Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

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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 »

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Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation Story
"When I'm Sixty-Four" was written by Paul McCartney at the young age of 16, years before The Beatles gained global recognition.
Album Inclusion
The song features on The Beatles' famous 1967 album "Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band".
Instrumentation
The musical composition of "When I'm Sixty-Four" stands out due to its unique use of a clarinet trio, an unusual choice for a rock band.
Inspiration
McCartney's father's 64th birthday was the inspiration behind the occasional performances of the song, but it wasn't recorded until the sessions for "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band".
Performance History
According to Paul McCartney, "When I'm Sixty-Four" was one of the first songs The Beatles performed in their early days when the amplifiers would break down.
Recording Technique
"When I'm Sixty-Four" was sped up in the studio to make Paul's voice sound younger, aligning with the nostalgic and playful vibe of the song.
Song Theme
The song provides a whimsical and romantic view of aging, presenting a plea for continued love and companionship even when one grows old.
Chart Performance
Upon the release of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", "When I'm Sixty-Four" didn't make it to the singles chart as it wasn't released as a single. The entire album, however, skyrocketed to number one on album charts across the globe.
Use in Popular Culture
The song has been covered by numerous artists including Cheap Trick, Bernard Cribbins, and Barry Gibb, and it featured in the soundtrack of the film "Yellow Submarine".
Personal Significance
When Paul McCartney turned 64 in 2006, radio stations around the world played "When I'm Sixty-Four" in celebration.

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