One After 909

Album: Let It Be

Year: 1958? (written) / 1969 (recorded) / 1970 (released)

Written by: Lennon & McCartney

No one is really sure exactly when One After 909 was first written, but John claimed he was 17 or 18 when he composed this rocker, so the best guess is about 1958. The Beatles recorded the song several times – on at least two demo records in 1960 and as a possible b-side to one of their singles in 1963. They also performed it live in 1962 when they were the main attraction at Liverpool's Cavern Club, and a recording of the band rehearsing the song was made at that time. John was never satisfied with the lyrics, though, and the band was never happy about any of the recordings, so the song was shelved until 1969.

In early 1969, with the band members drifting apart from each other, they began filming a movie. The idea was to show the band rehearsing songs in preparation for a concert. After weeks of not being able to decide where to hold the show, The Beatles finally agreed to perform live on the roof of their newly-formed company, Apple Records. On a cold day in January, 1969, the four Beatles and some friends climbed up to a London rooftop and blew away the neighborhood with their loud rock music. It was their final live performance as a band. One After 909 was the fifth song they played that day on the roof.

John sings a great live vocal, with Paul joining him in harmony. Billy Preston, a young keyboard player who played with one of the Beatles' idols, Little Richard, and who the boys had met when they were in Hamburg, Germany, plays the electric piano.