Golden Slumbers

Golden Slumbers is a song by The Beatles, part of the climactic medley on their 1969 album Abbey Road. The song begins the progression that leads to the end of the album and is followed by "Carry That Weight." The two songs were recorded together as a single piece, and both were written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon/McCartney).

Recording
McCartney was the lead vocalist. He begins the song in a soft tone appropriate for a lullaby, with piano, bass guitar, and string section accompaniment. Beginning with the line "Golden slumbers fill your eyes...", the drums come in and McCartney switches to a stronger tone, both of which emphasize the switch to the refrain. McCartney said, "I remember trying to get a very strong vocal on it, because it was such a gentle theme, so I worked on the strength of the vocal on it, and ended up quite pleased with it."

The main recording session for "Golden Slumbers"/"Carry That Weight" was on 2 July 1969. John Lennon was not present. He was injured in a motor vehicle accident in Scotland on 1 July 1969 and was hospitalized there until 6 July.

Additional vocals were added in an overdub session on 30 July 1969, the same day the first trial edit of the side two medley was created. Lennon did participate in this session. On 15 August, orchestral overdubs were made to "Golden Slumbers" and five other songs on Abbey Road.

Lyrics
[Pre-Chorus 1]

Once, there was a way to get back homeward

Once, there was a way to get back home

[Chorus]

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby

[Pre-Chorus 2]

Golden slumbers fill your eyes

Smiles awake you when you rise

[Chorus]

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby

[Pre-Chorus 1]

Once, there was a way to get back homeward

Once, there was a way to get back home

[Chorus]

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby

Credits

 * Paul McCartney - lead vocals, piano, arrangement, conductor
 * George Harrison - bass (1966 Fender Jazz Bass)
 * Ringo Starr - drums, timpani
 * Unnamed session players - strings, brass
 * George Martin - arrangement, conductor