Recording: Happiness Is A Warm Gun

Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: Chris Thomas
Engineer: Ken Scott

One of the White Album’s highlights, ‘Happiness Is A Warm Gun’, had its first recording session on this evening.

The session took place from 7pm-3am. The Beatles recorded 45 takes of the song, which had the working title ‘Happiness Is A Warm Gun In Your Hand’. John Lennon played electric guitar and sang a guide vocal, George Harrison was on another electric guitar, Paul McCartney played bass, and Ringo Starr was on drums.

The song’s various changes in tempo and time signature resulting in a number of breakdowns. The following evening they taped another 25 attempts, which eventually resulted in a usable backing track.

Lyrics for Happiness Is A Warm Gun, transcribed by Mal Evans

Lyrics for Happiness Is A Warm Gun, transcribed by Mal Evans

Last updated: 23 June 2023
Recording: Piggies, Glass Onion
Recording: Happiness Is A Warm Gun
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  1. Paul Brett Friday 23 September 2022

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