Junior’s Farm

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Junior’s Farm" by Paul McCartney & Wings, a track that’s a perfect vibe for our Zoo Freaks out there! This 1974 single, released as a non-album track by Apple Records, hit No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 16 in the U.K., showcasing McCartney’s knack for catchy rockers post-Beatles. Recorded in Nashville’s Soundshop Studios between July 16-18, 1974, the song was inspired by McCartney’s six-week stay at the 133-acre farm of songwriter Claude “Curly” Putman Jr. in Lebanon, Tennessee. Putman, known for “Green, Green Grass of Home,” rented his farm to McCartney and Wings for a “pretty good chunk of money,” which funded a trip to Hawaii for Putman and his wife. McCartney later greeted them upon their return by playing Putman’s hit song with the band, a heartwarming nod to their host.

The song’s whimsical lyrics, like references to an Eskimo, a sea lion, and Ollie Hardy, were influenced by Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm,” but McCartney insisted there’s no deep meaning—it's just a fun call to escape city life. In his 2021 memoir, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, he wrote, “The basic message is, let’s get out of here. You might say it’s my post-Beatles getting-out-of-town song.” The single’s picture sleeve in Spain featured Wings in costumes tied to the lyrics—drummer Geoff Britton as a poker dealer, Denny Laine as an Eskimo, and even a sea lion next to McCartney, dressed as a farmer. Fun fact: the band rehearsed in Putman’s garage, and McCartney rode a road bike around Wilson County, often unrecognized by locals.

Another juicy tidbit: Wings guitarist Jimmy McCulloch, making his debut on this track, got arrested for reckless driving during the Tennessee stay, nearly jeopardizing his visa status and the upcoming Wings Over America tour. Producer Buddy Killen had to pull strings to get him out of jail. The song also marked McCartney’s final release on Apple Records before he signed with Capitol Records in 1975. It was a staple in the 1975 Wings Over the World tour setlist but didn’t appear in later tours. The B-side, “Sally G,” leaned country and hit No. 17 on the U.S. charts, showing McCartney’s versatility. Both tracks were later remastered for the 2014 Hear-Music version of Venus and Mars.

Paul McCartney, born June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England, kicked off his musical journey as a teen, teaching himself piano, guitar, and songwriting. His father, James, a cotton salesman and jazz musician, encouraged his musical talents, though Paul initially leaned toward skiffle. In 1957, at age 15, he met John Lennon at a church fete where Lennon’s band, the Quarrymen, performed. Impressed by Paul’s guitar skills and ability to tune the instrument, Lennon invited him to join, forming the core of what became The Beatles. McCartney’s melodic basslines, multi-instrumental prowess, and songwriting partnership with Lennon transformed popular music, with hits like “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” After The Beatles’ 1970 breakup, McCartney released his solo debut, McCartney, and formed Wings in 1971 with his wife Linda, Denny Laine, and Denny Seiwell, cementing his legacy as a solo artist and bandleader.

Stay connected with Paul McCartney through his official website, where you can dive into his discography, tour dates, and more. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwbacks, and fan interactions. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the Paul McCartney Fans Facebook group or visit fan sites such as The Paul McCartney Project for deep dives into his career, setlists, and session details. Keep grooving to “Junior’s Farm,” and let’s keep the hippie vibes alive!