Paul McCartney’s Bass Mastery on an Underrated Beatles Gem: The Track John Lennon Campaigned to Make an A-Side
The Beatles, known for their extraordinary catalog of hits, often overshadowed some of their lesser-known tracks. However, it is in these hidden gems where the musicianship of each band member shines, revealing the intricate layers of creativity that defined their music. One such track is a lesser-known Beatles song where Paul McCartney’s bass playing reached peak form. So impressive was this performance that John Lennon himself campaigned for the song to be released as an A-side single, challenging the established choice of “Lady Madonna” as the lead track. The story behind this overlooked Beatles gem is a testament to the band’s collaborative genius and McCartney’s extraordinary talent as a bassist.
The Beatles’ Transition Period and Paul McCartney’s Role
By the late 1960s, The Beatles were in the midst of a major transformation, both as individuals and as a band. Their sound was evolving from the simple, catchy pop melodies of their early years into something more experimental and complex. Albums like *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band* and *The White Album* showed that they were no longer content with merely following pop conventions—they were setting new standards for rock music, blending genres, and pushing the boundaries of what pop music could be.
Amidst all of this, Paul McCartney was emerging as a musical force, not just as a songwriter and vocalist but as one of the most inventive bass players in rock history. McCartney’s bass playing had evolved dramatically from the straightforward lines he had played on early Beatles hits like “I Want to Hold Your Hand” or “She Loves You.” By 1968, McCartney had fully embraced the bass guitar as a lead instrument, using it to drive songs rhythmically while adding melodic complexity. His bass lines were no longer merely background support—they were integral to the structure and emotional depth of the songs.
The Recording of the Track
The track in question, “Hey Bulldog,” is one of The Beatles’ most underrated and overlooked songs. Written primarily by John Lennon, it was recorded during the same sessions that produced the band’s 1968 single “Lady Madonna.” The song appears on the *Yellow Submarine* soundtrack album, released in 1969, and is notable for its infectious piano riff, witty lyrics, and aggressive groove.
However, what truly sets “Hey Bulldog” apart is McCartney’s remarkable bass playing, which many fans and critics consider some of his best work. The bass line in “Hey Bulldog” is a perfect example of McCartney’s ability to balance melodic invention with rhythmic precision. His playing is fluid and melodic, moving effortlessly around the piano riff and adding a sense of movement and urgency to the track. At the same time, the bass provides the song with its driving force, propelling the song forward with its bouncy, syncopated groove.
John Lennon’s Campaign for the Song
During the recording sessions, John Lennon was so impressed with the outcome of “Hey Bulldog” that he began to campaign for it to be the A-side of their next single, instead of “Lady Madonna.” Lennon, who had penned the song, was proud of its energetic and playful nature, feeling that it stood out as one of the band’s more unique tracks. He believed that its blend of hard rock, humor, and innovation made it a strong candidate to represent the band’s next single.
Despite Lennon’s enthusiasm, the band ultimately chose “Lady Madonna” as the A-side, a decision that reflected McCartney’s growing influence within the band at the time. “Lady Madonna” was a return to the band’s rock and roll roots, with a boogie-woogie piano riff that harked back to their earlier sound. While it was a fine choice for a single, Lennon’s push for “Hey Bulldog” speaks volumes about the song’s quality and his respect for the track.
McCartney’s Bass Line: A Master Class in Musicianship
What makes McCartney’s bass work on “Hey Bulldog” so impressive is its combination of technical precision and melodic creativity. From the opening bars of the song, McCartney’s bass immediately grabs the listener’s attention. Instead of simply following the root notes of the chords, McCartney crafts a bass line that is as much a part of the song’s melody as Lennon’s vocal line or the piano riff. His playing is dynamic, constantly shifting and evolving throughout the track, yet it never overwhelms the other elements of the song.
One of the hallmarks of McCartney’s bass playing during this period was his ability to use the bass as a lead instrument without sacrificing its rhythmic role. In “Hey Bulldog,” he demonstrates this skill brilliantly. The bass is not just laying down the foundation of the song’s harmony—it’s actively contributing to the song’s melodic structure. At times, McCartney’s bass lines feel like a second vocal melody, weaving in and out of Lennon’s lead vocal in a way that adds depth and complexity to the track.
The song’s bridge is another example of McCartney’s bass genius. As the song shifts into a more aggressive, rock-oriented groove, McCartney’s playing becomes more forceful and syncopated, driving the song forward with a sense of urgency. His use of sliding notes, chromatic runs, and rhythmic syncopation adds an element of funkiness to the track, which was rare for The Beatles at the time but would become more prominent in McCartney’s later work with Wings.
McCartney’s bass playing on “Hey Bulldog” also highlights his ability to lock in with drummer Ringo Starr. The interplay between McCartney’s bass and Starr’s drumming is tight and rhythmic, giving the song a propulsive groove that makes it one of the most rhythmically interesting tracks in The Beatles’ catalog. This level of rhythmic sophistication was one of the key elements that set The Beatles apart from other rock bands of the era.
Why “Hey Bulldog” Remains Underrated
Despite its brilliance, “Hey Bulldog” never achieved the commercial success or recognition of many other Beatles songs. This is partly because it was overshadowed by bigger hits like “Lady Madonna” and the more experimental tracks on *The White Album*. Additionally, its placement on the *Yellow Submarine* soundtrack meant it was somewhat relegated to the status of a “movie track,” rather than being viewed as a standalone piece of the band’s legacy.
Another factor is that “Hey Bulldog” was rarely performed live or given much attention by the band in interviews. As a result, it remained something of a deep cut in The Beatles’ discography, appreciated primarily by die-hard fans and music critics who recognized the song’s brilliance.
However, in recent years, “Hey Bulldog” has gained more recognition, thanks in part to reissues of *Yellow Submarine* and its inclusion in various Beatles compilations. Musicians and bass players in particular have praised McCartney’s bass line on the track, often citing it as one of his finest moments as a bassist.
The Legacy of McCartney’s Bass Playing
Paul McCartney’s bass playing on “Hey Bulldog” is a shining example of why he is considered one of the greatest bassists in rock history. Throughout The Beatles’ career, McCartney continually pushed the boundaries of what the bass guitar could do, transforming it from a background instrument into a central part of the band’s sound. His melodic approach to the bass influenced countless musicians and changed the way rock and pop bass lines were written and performed.
Tracks like “Hey Bulldog” are crucial in understanding McCartney’s legacy as a bass player. While his contributions as a songwriter and vocalist are well-documented, his role as a bassist often gets less attention. Yet, it is his bass playing that provides the foundation for so many of The Beatles’ greatest songs, from the driving rhythm of “Come Together” to the complex, melodic lines of “Something.”
McCartney’s ability to combine technical skill with an intuitive sense of melody and groove made him a unique talent. His playing on “Hey Bulldog” is a master class in how to use the bass guitar to enhance a song’s overall texture, rather than simply providing support. The track stands as a testament to his creativity, musicianship, and his deep understanding of how music works on multiple levels.
An Underrated Gem, A Bass Masterpiece
“Hey Bulldog” remains one of The Beatles’ most underrated tracks, but for those who have taken the time to listen closely, it offers a treasure trove of musical brilliance. John Lennon’s campaign to make it an A-side speaks to the song’s quality and its importance within The Beatles’ body of work. More than just a forgotten B-side, “Hey Bulldog” showcases the band at the peak of their powers, with each member contributing something unique to the track.
For Paul McCartney, “Hey Bulldog” is one of his finest moments as a bassist, a demonstration of his ability to blend melody, rhythm, and innovation in a way that few musicians have ever matched. Though the track may not have achieved the same level of fame as “Lady Madonna” or other Beatles classics, it stands as a reminder of the creative genius that defined The Beatles, and particularly McCartney’s role in shaping their sound.
In the end, “Hey Bulldog” is more than just an underrated Beatles song—it’s a showcase of what made The Beatles great: their willingness to push boundaries, experiment with their sound, and create music that was both complex and accessible. And at the heart of it all is McCartney’s bass, leading the charge with a groove that still resonates with listeners more than fifty years later.
