Blackbird
"Blackbird" is a song by the Beatles from their 1968 double album *The Beatles* (the White Album).
"Blackbird" is a song by the Beatles from their 1968 double album *The Beatles* (the White Album), written by Paul McCartney and performed as a solo acoustic piece.
What it is
"Blackbird" is a folk rock song released on 22 November 1968. It was written by Paul McCartney, though credited to Lennon–McCartney, and features McCartney singing and playing acoustic guitar alone. The track runs about 2 minutes 18 seconds.
Why it matters
McCartney has said the song was inspired by a blackbird’s call he heard in Rishikesh, India, and by the U.S. civil rights movement. The lyrics are often seen as symbolic of struggle and hope. It is widely regarded as one of McCartney’s best-known and most admired compositions.
Key details
The song appears on the Beatles’ White Album, a double LP. Its sparse arrangement—just voice and guitar—makes it a standout solo-style performance in the band’s catalogue. In Canada, the Beatles’ music, including "Blackbird," has remained popular through radio and McCartney’s tours.
In short
- Released on the Beatles’ 1968 White Album
- Written by Paul McCartney, credited to Lennon–McCartney
- Inspired by a blackbird in India and the civil rights movement
- Performed as a solo acoustic recording by McCartney
The song is part of the Beatles’ catalogue, which has had major and lasting popularity in Canada through radio, recordings, and McCartney’s later tours.
Quick questions
Who wrote "Blackbird"?
What album is "Blackbird" on?
What inspired the song?
Sources
- The Beatles — https://www.thebeatles.com/blackbirdSupports: Official Beatles page confirming the song, album, writer credit, and release date.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbird_(Beatles_song)Supports: Background on authorship, inspiration, release date, and reception.
- The Beatles Bible — https://www.beatlesbible.com/songs/blackbird/Supports: Recording details, release dates, and song facts.