Paul McCartney – “I’ll Follow The Sun” Live

So My Love, I Must Go!

“I’ll Follow the Sun” was written by Paul McCartney at his family home in Allerton, Liverpool and recorded by The Beatles on October 8, 1964 in London. It was released on December 4, 1964 for the band’s fourth studio album “Beatles For Sale.” This melancholy ballad is basically about an unappreciated man.

There is an unwillingness on the part of the song’s narrator that adds a tenderness and tragedy to his leaving: “And now the time has come, and so, my love, I must go. And though I lose a friend, in the end you will know”…, as well as a reluctance on the man’s ability to finalize the breakup, by the repeated phrase……”but tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun.”

Although this wasn’t a staple in their concert repertoire, the song has become a cult favorite. McCartney also said that every single they released needed to be different which is why varied instrumentation became an important part in each track.

One reason they didn’t use the song on their previous albums was because it wasn’t tough enough for their leather-jacketed early image. By the time they did record it for their fourth LP, the rhythm had changed from a rockabilly shuffle to a gentle cha-cha. (Ultram) Ringo Starr kept the beat by smacking his palms on his knees.

Just can’t get enough of this song!