On This Day in Beatles History: Recording Golden Slumbers and Carry That Weight – 4 July 1969
On 4 July 1969, The Beatles gathered at Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, for the third day of work on 'Golden Slumbers' and 'Carry That Weight' — two of the interlocking pieces that would form the centrepiece of the Abbey Road medley. The session ran from 2.45pm to 5.30pm, and began with an unscheduled interlude: the studio engineers had been listening to the Wimbledon ladies' tennis final on the radio, and when The Beatles arrived, the match was played through the studio speakers so everyone could hear Ann Jones defeat Billie Jean King in a 71-minute final.
What Happened on 4 July 1969?
The session was produced by George Martin and engineered by Phil McDonald. When the tennis concluded, work began in earnest. George Harrison added electric guitar arpeggios to 'Golden Slumbers'/'Carry That Weight', and Ringo Starr recorded additional drums. Paul McCartney then recorded his lead vocals. He later reflected: 'I remember trying to get a very strong vocal on it, because it was such a gentle theme, so I worked on the strength of the vocal on it, and ended up quite pleased with it.' (Many Years From Now, Barry Miles)
The Wimbledon Interlude: Ann Jones vs Billie Jean King
The Wimbledon ladies' singles final of 1969 saw British player Ann Jones defeat the American defending champion Billie Jean King 3–6, 6–3, 6–2 in 71 minutes. It was one of the most celebrated moments in British tennis history: Jones became the first British woman to win the Wimbledon singles title since Angela Mortimer in 1961.
Golden Slumbers and Carry That Weight
'Golden Slumbers' was written by Paul McCartney, inspired by a traditional lullaby with words by the Elizabethan playwright Thomas Dekker. McCartney came across the lyrics in a songbook at his father's house in Heswall, on the Wirral, and — unable to read music — set the words to his own tune.
'Carry That Weight' follows directly from 'Golden Slumbers' and shares much of its musical material. Its lyrics are widely interpreted as a reflection on the pressures and responsibilities that had accumulated around The Beatles during their years of fame.
On This Day in Beatles History
- Date: 4 July 1969
- Event: Third recording session for 'Golden Slumbers'/'Carry That Weight'; guitar (Harrison), drums (Starr), and lead vocals (McCartney) added
- Session time: 2.45–5.30pm, Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
- Producer: George Martin | Engineer: Phil McDonald
- Also on this day: The session began with The Beatles and studio staff listening to Ann Jones defeat Billie Jean King in the 1969 Wimbledon ladies' singles final
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Golden Slumbers recorded?
Across multiple sessions in July 1969 at Abbey Road. The third session on 4 July 1969 saw Harrison add guitar arpeggios, Starr record extra drums, and McCartney lay down his lead vocals.
What is the origin of Golden Slumbers?
Paul McCartney based it on a traditional lullaby with words by Elizabethan playwright Thomas Dekker, found in a songbook at his father's house in Heswall, Wirral.
Who won the 1969 Wimbledon ladies' singles final?
Ann Jones defeated Billie Jean King 3–6, 6–3, 6–2 on 4 July 1969 — the first British woman to win the Wimbledon singles title since Angela Mortimer in 1961.
What does Carry That Weight mean?
Widely interpreted as a reflection on the pressures of fame and the difficulties The Beatles faced as the group approached its end. Its chorus reprises the melody of 'You Never Give Me Your Money'.
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