Hi, Hi, Hi

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of Hi, Hi, Hi by Paul McCartney & Wings, a track released as a single in 1972 that captures the raw, rebellious spirit of the era. This song, often considered a period piece, was Paul McCartney’s playful nod to the counterculture’s love for getting high, with lyrics like “Hey girl, come on let’s get high” reflecting the free-spirited times. In a 2018 interview with GQ, McCartney described it as a “fantasy song” inspired by the early ‘70s vibe, emphasizing its lighthearted, rock ‘n’ roll energy. The Zoo Freaks are surely digging the song’s infectious guitar riffs, courtesy of Wings’ guitarist Henry McCullough, who stepped up with a standout performance that helped the track become Wings’ biggest hit at the time, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.

Interestingly, Hi, Hi, Hi stirred up some controversy, which the Zoo Crew might appreciate for its renegade edge. The BBC banned the song, misinterpreting the lyric “Get you ready for my polygon” as “body gun,” assuming it was a risqué reference. McCartney, in a 2010 Mojo interview, expressed surprise at the ban, comparing it to Bob Dylan’s ambiguous “everybody must get stoned” lyric, which escaped similar scrutiny. He insisted “polygon” was just a playful, nonsensical word, though fans on platforms like Songfacts have speculated it could be a cheeky innuendo. The controversy, accidental or not, boosted the song’s notoriety, making it a U.S. breakthrough for Wings and a staple in McCartney’s live sets, reintroduced in 2013 with slightly tweaked lyrics to suit his grandfatherly image.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: the song’s recording was a showcase for Wings’ evolving dynamic. McCullough’s guitar work was pivotal, as he pushed for creative freedom against McCartney’s typically structured approach. In a 2014 Rolling Stone article, McCartney recalled the track being part of the One Hand Clapping sessions at Abbey Road Studios, originally meant for a documentary that never aired. The raw, live-in-studio feel of the song, mixed with its cheeky lyrics, makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, boundary-pushing playlist. Fans on r/PaulMcCartney still rave about its rock ‘n’ roll swagger, with some calling it one of McCartney’s best post-Beatles rockers.

Now, let’s rewind to how Paul McCartney, the mastermind behind Hi, Hi, Hi, got his start. Born on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England, McCartney grew up in a musical household, influenced by his father, a jazz player, and rock ‘n’ roll icons like Little Richard and Buddy Holly. As a teenager, he taught himself piano, guitar, and songwriting, soaking up folk, pop, and jazz from radio and family singalongs. His big break came in 1957 when, at 15, he met John Lennon at the Woolton Village Fete, joining Lennon’s skiffle group, the Quarrymen. By 1960, after several name changes and lineup shifts, including the addition of George Harrison and later Ringo Starr, the Quarrymen evolved into The Beatles, a band that would redefine music history with McCartney’s melodic basslines, versatile vocals, and songwriting partnership with Lennon.

After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney launched his solo career with the #1 album McCartney, a one-man project showcasing his multi-instrumental talents. Eager to return to a band dynamic, he formed Wings in 1971 with his wife, Linda, drummer Denny Seiwell, and guitarist Denny Laine, later joined by Henry McCullough. Despite early critical backlash for albums like Wild Life, Wings hit their stride with 1973’s Band on the Run, cementing McCartney’s post-Beatles legacy. His career, spanning over six decades, includes 60 gold records, over 100 million singles sold, and explorations in classical music, poetry, and visual arts, as noted on Britannica. McCartney’s official website, paulmccartney.com, is a treasure trove of his musical journey, from Beatles archives to his 2020 release McCartney III.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with McCartney’s world, his verified social media accounts are active and engaging. Follow him on Facebook, where he has nearly 8 million likes, for updates on tours and tributes like the 50th anniversary of Band on the Run. His Instagram, with 4.3 million followers, shares behind-the-scenes photos and tour highlights, while his X account keeps fans posted on new releases like The Beatles’ AI-enhanced Now and Then. Beware of impostors, as MPL Communications warns of fake accounts; stick to verified handles like @paulmccartney. Fans can also join discussions on the Maccaboard forum or the Paul McCartney Fan Club on Facebook, though be cautious of scams, as noted on Reddit, where users expose fake fan clubs demanding fees.