Paul McCartney’s Most Psychedelic Songs

Paul McCartney, a renowned musician and former member of The Beatles, has been an outspoken advocate for the legalization of marijuana. Despite facing legal trouble in the past, McCartney continues to express his support for the drug’s widespread acceptance. During the 1960s and 1970s, referencing drugs in songs was considered taboo, but McCartney was a leading voice in advocating for the legalization of marijuana. His influence, along with the shifting attitudes towards the drug, has resulted in many countries adopting less strict regulations surrounding its use. McCartney’s incorporation of subtle references to marijuana in his music serves as a testament to his passion for the cause and his desire to express his love for the plant through his art.

“She’s A Woman” – Beatles For Sale (1964)

The 1964 track “She’s a Woman” from the Beatles’ album Beatles for Sale includes their first explicit reference to drugs. McCartney, primarily responsible for the song’s composition, along with a few contributions from Lennon, revealed that they were excited to incorporate some risqué material into their music. The inclusion of the phrase “turns me on” was their way of subtly alluding to marijuana, using it as an expression within the song.

“Got to Get You Into My Life” – Revolver (1966)

A seemingly innocent love ballad that actually reflects McCartney’s admiration for pot is “Got to Get You Into My Life” from the album Revolver. In an interview, McCartney admitted that the song is essentially an “ode to pot.” He likened it to someone else writing an ode to chocolate or a good claret, emphasizing the significance of marijuana in his life.

“Fixing the Hole” – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Another song that expresses McCartney’s affection for marijuana is “Fixing a Hole” from the iconic album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). While the song has various interpretations, McCartney revealed that part of it is about his discomfort with fans who linger around his house. Some fans believed the phrase “fixing a hole” referred to heroin, but McCartney clarified that it was an “ode to pot.”

“Magical Mystery Tour” – Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

Another notable example is the title track of the 1967 television film and accompanying soundtrack, “Magical Mystery Tour.” McCartney aimed to infuse a psychedelic vibe into the song and included the repetitive phrase, “roll up for the mystery tour,” which he later admitted was a not-so-subtle reference to rolling a joint. The Beatles were known for incorporating veiled references to drugs and trips in their music, aimed at their friends who would understand.