Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your hippie DJs from THE ZOO spinning some cosmic vinyl vibes! Right now, we’re grooving to the dreamy medley of “Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End” by The Beatles from their iconic 1969 album Abbey Road. This track is a soul-stirring closer, and we’ve got some far-out trivia to share. Did you know “Golden Slumbers” was inspired by a 17th-century lullaby? Paul McCartney stumbled across the poem “Cradle Song” by Thomas Dekker in his stepsister’s piano book at his dad’s house in Liverpool. Unable to read music, Paul crafted his own melody, keeping most of the original lyrics but making them his own with that Beatles magic. He’s said in interviews he wanted a strong vocal to contrast the gentle theme, and boy, did he deliver—his voice soars with raw emotion.

Here’s a wild tidbit: this medley was recorded without John Lennon in the studio. On July 2, 1969, when the main session for “Golden Slumbers” and “Carry That Weight” went down, John was recovering from a car accident in Scotland. George Harrison stepped up on bass, Ringo laid down those soulful drums, and Paul handled piano and vocals. The lush strings and brass? That’s courtesy of producer George Martin, who arranged a 30-piece orchestra to elevate the track to celestial heights. Fans on Reddit have called this medley “the greatest piece of art ever created,” and it’s no wonder—it’s like a symphony in three parts, with “Carry That Weight” hinting at the band’s looming breakup. Music critic Ian MacDonald even suggested the lyrics reflect the Beatles knowing their solo careers would never match their collective legacy.

Social media’s buzzing with love for this track. On X, @beatlesbible has posted about the July 1969 session, noting how Paul, George, and Ringo laid down the backing track right after Paul recorded “Her Majesty.” And get this: a fan on Reddit shared how they time their New Year’s Eve listening so the transition from “Golden Slumbers” to “Carry That Weight” hits at midnight—talk about a powerful way to ring in the decade! Paul’s performed this medley live for years, including a show-stopping moment at SNL’s 50th anniversary in 2025, where he moved from piano to guitar, leaving the crowd in awe. One Reddit user teared up watching a 1997 performance with Phil Collins on drums and Eric Clapton on guitar, saying it felt like Paul was saying goodbye to The Beatles.

Let’s rewind to how The Beatles got their start. Hailing from Liverpool, England, the Fab Four—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—began as a skiffle group called The Quarrymen in the mid-1950s. John formed the band as a teen, and Paul joined in 1957 after meeting John at a church fete. George came aboard soon after, and the trio honed their craft in Liverpool’s gritty club scene. By 1960, they were The Beatles, playing marathon gigs in Hamburg, Germany, where they sharpened their stage presence and sound. Ringo replaced drummer Pete Best in 1962, just as Beatlemania erupted with their first single, “Love Me Do.” Their innovative songwriting, harmonies, and charisma made them global icons, with Abbey Road showcasing their peak creativity. Though they split in 1970, their music remains timeless, inspiring generations.

Wanna dive deeper into Beatles mania? Check out their official website at thebeatles.com for news and history. Connect with fellow fans on their Facebook, Instagram, and X pages, where they share throwbacks and updates. For fan communities, The Beatles Fan Club is a groovy spot for exclusive content, and the r/beatles subreddit is a vibrant hub for discussions. You can also join Beatles Fans on Facebook to swap stories and trivia. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep the Beatles’ love revolution spinning!