The Long and Winding Road

“The Long and Winding Road”

Single by The Beatles

Released

11 May 1970 (US)

Format

Recorded

26 January 1969

Genre

Rock

Length

3:37

Label

Apple Records

Writer(s)

Producer

The Beatles singles chronology

"The Long and Winding Road" / "For You Blue"
(1970)

"The Long and Winding Road" / "For You Blue"
(1970)

“	The album was finished a year ago, but a few months ago American record producer Phil Spector was called in by John Lennon to tidy up some of the tracks. But a few weeks ago, I was sent a re-mixed version of my song 'The Long And Winding Road' with harps, horns, an orchestra, and a women's choir added. No one had asked me what I thought. I couldn't believe it. The record came with a note from Allen Klein saying he thought the changes were necessary. I don't blame Phil Spector for doing it, but it just goes to show that it's no good me sitting here thinking I'm in control because obviously I'm not. Anyway, I've sent Klein a letter asking for some things to be altered, but I haven't received an answer yet."	„
—Paul McCartney, 1988

“	Paul again. He had a little spurt just before we split.	„
—John Lennon, 1980

“	It's rather a sad song. I like writing sad songs, it's a good bag to get into because you can actually acknowledge some deeper feelings of your own and put them in it. It's a good vehicle, it saves having to go to a psychiatrist. Songwriting often performs that feat-- you say it, but you don't embarrass yourself because it's only a song, or is it? You are putting the things that are bothering you on the table and you are reviewing them, but because it's a song, you don't have to argue with anyone... It's a sad song because it's all about the unattainable; the door you never quite reach. This is the road that you never get to the end of.	„
—Paul McCartney, 1994