Come And Get It

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some juicy trivia about Come And Get It by Badfinger, spinning right now on THE ZOO! This catchy tune, featured on the Magic Christian Music album, was penned by none other than Paul McCartney for the 1969 film The Magic Christian, starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr. McCartney didn’t just write it—he produced it and had a clear vision for its sound. He recorded a solo demo on July 24, 1969, playing all the instruments himself, and insisted Badfinger replicate it note-for-note. In a post on X, @PaulMcCartney confirmed he wrote Come And Get It specifically for Badfinger, showcasing his influence on the band’s early success. McCartney’s demo, available on The Beatles Anthology 3, sounds nearly identical to Badfinger’s version, highlighting his meticulous production. He even auditioned each band member to choose Tom Evans for the lead vocals, a decision that helped the song hit number 7 in the US and number 4 in the UK charts.

Here’s a wild story from the recording session: Badfinger, then called The Iveys, were thrilled but nervous about working with McCartney. According to Dan Matovina’s book Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger, the band was so excited they couldn’t sleep the night before their August 2, 1969, session at Abbey Road Studios. McCartney, contracted to supply three songs for the film, offered to produce two of their originals alongside Come And Get It, selecting Carry On Till Tomorrow and Rock of All Ages. However, he was firm about the song’s arrangement, reportedly telling the band, “No, this has gotta be exactly like this, ‘cos this is the hit!” when they wanted to add their own flair. This strict guidance paid off, as the single sold over a million copies worldwide, marking Badfinger’s international breakthrough. On X, @beatlesbible noted McCartney’s production role, emphasizing the song’s place in Badfinger’s history.

Another fun tidbit: the song’s lyrics are a sly jab at shady business dealings, reflecting McCartney’s frustrations with Apple Records’ financial chaos. Lines like “Will you walk away from a fool and his money?” echo themes from The Beatles’ You Never Give Me Your Money. Fans on platforms like Songfacts have pointed out its use in a US Navy recruitment ad, adding a quirky chapter to its legacy. Classic rock critics, like Michael Gallucci from Ultimate Classic Rock, have called it Badfinger’s greatest song, praising its lustrous harmonies, while Rob Hughes from Classic Rock ranked it third, noting the band’s unique spin on McCartney’s template. In 1978, a reformed Badfinger, led by Tom Evans, re-recorded it for K-tel Records, keeping its spirit alive.

Now, let’s rewind to how Badfinger got their start. Hailing from Swansea, Wales, the band formed in 1961 as The Iveys, with a lineup that evolved into Pete Ham (guitar), Mike Gibbins (drums), Tom Evans (bass), and Joey Molland (guitar). They built a local following playing covers and originals, eventually catching the eye of Beatles associate Mal Evans. Signed to Apple Records in 1968 after The Beatles heard their demo, they released their first album, Maybe Tomorrow, as The Iveys in 1969, though it saw limited release. The name Badfinger came from The Beatles’ road manager Neil Aspinall, inspired by the working title of With A Little Help From My Friends, “Bad Finger Boogie.” Their big break came with Come And Get It, which led to the release of Magic Christian Music in 1970, blending new tracks with remixed Iveys songs. Badfinger went on to influence the power pop genre, selling an estimated 14 million records, despite later tragedies and business struggles.

For more Badfinger goodness, check out their official site at badfingermusic.com. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram, though their official X presence is less active—search #Badfinger for fan posts. Fans gather at sites like badfinger-iveys.com for deep dives into the band’s history. On Facebook, groups like Badfinger (The Iveys) keep the community alive, sharing memories and rare tracks. Zoo Freaks, crank up Come And Get It and vibe with Badfinger’s timeless sound!