Songs > Come Together

Come Together

(Lennon/McCartney)

Song background
Originaly a campaign theme for Timothy Leary's 1969 bid for governor of California, "Come Together" was later recorded at Abbey Road for the Abbey Road LP. Lennon was later sued for plagiarism for using the phrase 'old flat top'; which was lifted from the Chuck Berry song "You Can't Catch Me". "Come Together" was issued with "Something" as the first single from Abbey Road.

Recording dates

July 21, 1969 (8 takes; basic track)
July 22, 1969 (lead vocal, electronic piano, rhythm guitar, maraca overdubs)
July 23, 1969 (vocal overdubs)
July 25, 1969 (vocal harmony overdubs)
July 29, 1969 (guitar overdub)
July 30, 1969 (guitar overdub)
August 7, 1969 (stereo mixing)

Release dates

September 26, 1969 (UK) (on Abbey Road)
October 1, 1969 (US) (on Abbey Road)
October 6, 1969 (US) ("Something/Come Together" single)
October 30, 1969 (UK) ("Something/Come Together" single)
April 2, 1973 (US) (on 1967-70)
April 19, 1973 (UK) (on 1967-70)
November 14, 2000 (UK & US) (on Beatles 1)

Recording notes

Chart performance

#1, November 29, 1969 (1 week), Billboard (US)

Quotes

Awards

Other notes

Notable covers

Aerosmith (from Greatest Hits)
Ike & Tina Turner (from Greatest Hits)
Michael Jackson (from HIStory Book 1)
The Neville Brothers (from Woodstock 94)