I came across this story a couple of months ago and it just would not leave me; so I am sharing it to those who may not know it yet. In 1981, Paul McCartney worked on his tribute album to John Lennon called Tug of War. One song in this album is Get It, to which recording session he invited Carl Perkins to provide vocals. Carl loved the experience and the following morning he wrote My Old Friend for Paul in appreciation. In fact, he recounted to Paul that usually when he writes he needs a pen and a sheet of paper to record his thoughts on, but this time the words just stuck with him.

He then played the song to Paul. And Paul, upon hearing the song, stormed out of the room crying. Linda who was left with Carl explained that Carl’s words hit Paul hard because John’s last words to Paul when they last met before he was shot dead were, “”Think about me every now and then, old friend”, words, which Carl unknowingly put into this song.”

I still have goose bumps whenever I watch this video or hear the song. Was John writing through Carl? Nobody can tell, but the circumstances surrounding the creation of the song, as told by Carl himself (assuming the stories written about this are right), make it seem plausible. That verse is simply powerful –

“If we never meet again this side of life, in a little while, over yonder, where there’s peace and quiet, my old friend, won’t you think about me every now and then?”

I wish these words are mine to give.

Here’s the youtube with Paul and Carl together in 1993. Paul obviously tried to hold his emotions.