Released 22 November 1968 Genre Music hall, jazz Label Apple Records | Recorded 1 October 1968 Length 2:41 Writer(s) Lennon–McCartney | |
"Honey Pie" is a song by the Beatles, from their 1968 eponymous album The Beatles, also known as "the White Album". The song was written entirely by Paul McCartney, but is credited to Lennon–McCartney.
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Interpretation
The song is a direct homage to the British music hall style. It concerns a famed actress, called only by the term of endearment "Honey Pie", who becomes famous in the United States, and her old lover, who wishes for her to rejoin him in England. The premise – a humble admirer yearning for the return of his lover – is not unlike a typical music hall plot. In order to establish an appropriate, old-timey sound, 'crackles' were added to the third line, "Now she's hit the big time!", from a 78 rpm record.
Recording
Recording began for "Honey Pie" on 1 October 1968, at Trident Studios in London's Wardour Street. Only one take was recorded on the first day, although it is likely that a number of rehearsal attempts had previously been recorded and wiped. The next day, McCartney taped his lead vocals, and a lead guitar part was added. According to George Harrison, John Lennon played the guitar solo.
Cover versions
The song has been covered by Alan Klein (1969), Barbra Streisand, the King's Singers, Don Partridge, the Golden Gate Quartet, Tuck & Patti, and John Pizzarelli, among others. In the 1978 film Sextette, Dom DeLuise performed the song.