Concert For George. (Photo by: Universal Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Debates surrounding the song “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” from The Beatles’ 1970 album Abbey Road remain contentious, with three of the Fab Four distancing themselves from it. However, Paul McCartney has shed light on the discord, attributing it to the intense recording process.

In a recent episode of McCartney: A Life in Lyrics on iHeartPodcasts, McCartney acknowledged the strain the song placed on the group. “I was very keen on it,” he stated, reflecting on its creation. “It took a little bit long to record. I remember the guys getting pissed with me.”

McCartney admitted that his meticulous approach often prolonged recording sessions as he endeavoured to translate his creative vision into reality. Despite the tension, he emphasized that making music together remained a joyous experience for the band. “Recording sessions were always good, because no matter what our personal troubles were… the minute we sat down to make a song, we were good.”

Contrary to McCartney’s sentiments, drummer Ringo Starr once described “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” as the group’s most challenging recording. He lamented its prolonged duration, stating, “It was the worst track we ever had to record. It went on for weeks.” Notably, John Lennon didn’t contribute to the track at all.

The song’s polarizing reception underscores the complexities of creative collaboration within one of the most celebrated bands in history. Despite differing opinions, “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” remains a noteworthy piece in The Beatles’ extensive repertoire, eliciting varied responses from fans and critics alike.