No Words
- Side one
- "Band on the Run"
- "Jet"
- "Bluebird"
- "Mrs. Vandebilt"
- "Let Me Roll It"
- Side two
- "Mamunia"
- "No Words"
- "Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me)"
- "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five"
"No Words" is a song written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine, and first released on 7 December 1973 on Band on the Run by Paul McCartney and Wings. The song was Laine's first co-writing on a Wings album and his only writing credit on Band on the Run.[1]
Background
The song was written before the release of Wings' second album, Red Rose Speedway, but not recorded until the Band on the Run sessions.[1]
Recording
The basic track was recorded in Lagos, Nigeria and was later completed in September in England. The orchestral arrangements, consisting of brass instruments and string quartets were made by Tony Visconti.[2][3] Ian Horne and Trevor Jones, two of Wings' roadies, sang backing vocals on the track although their parts are buried in the mix.[1][4] Otherwise, the vocals consist primarily of Laine and Paul and Linda McCartney all singing together, with Laine and Paul McCartney each taking a solo spot.[4] The original recording is over four minutes, but was faded early for LP release.
The song's verses are in the key of A major.[2] The key moves to the dominant, E major, for the refrain.[2] The lyrics express the singer's desire for a woman who he fears may not be only interested in him.[2] The refrain consists of the single line "No words for my love."[2] Music author Vincent Benitex interprets the song's ending on a dominant key rather than the tonic as reflecting the singer's uncertain situation.[2] Robert Rodriguez described "No Words" as being the only song on Band on the Run that came close to being the type of "silly love song" that predominated McCartney's albums of the time.[5]
Live performances
The only time the song was performed live by Wings was in 1979 during their final tour.[1]
Personnel
- Paul McCartney – vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, acoustic and electric pianos
- Linda McCartney – vocals, keyboards
- Denny Laine – vocals, electric guitar
- Ian Horne – backing vocals
- Trevor Jones – backing vocals
Personnel per The Beatles Bible.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Paul McCartney: No Words | The Beatles Bible". www.beatlesbible.com. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f Benitez, Vincent (2010). The Words and Music of Paul McCartney. Prager. pp. 56–57. ISBN 9780313349690.
- ^ Madiger, C. & Easter, M. (2000). Eight Arms to Hold You. 44.1 Productions. p. 189. ISBN 0-615-11724-4.
- ^ a b Blaney, John (2007). Lennon & McCartney Together Alone. Jawbone. p. 87. ISBN 9781906002022.
- ^ Rodriguez, Robert (2010). Fab Four FAQ 2.0: The Beatles' Solo Years 1970–1980. Hal Leonard. p. 160. ISBN 978-0-87930-968-8.
- v
- t
- e
- Wild Life (1971)
- Red Rose Speedway (1973)
- Band on the Run (1973)
- Venus and Mars (1975)
- Wings at the Speed of Sound (1976)
- London Town (1978)
- Back to the Egg (1979)
- Wings over America (1976)
- Wings over Europe (2018)
- One Hand Clapping (2024)
- Wings Greatest (1978)
- Cold Cuts (unreleased)
- Wingspan: Hits and History (2001)
- "Give Ireland Back to the Irish"
- "Mary Had a Little Lamb" / "Little Woman Love"
- "Hi, Hi, Hi" / "C Moon"
- "My Love"
- "Live and Let Die" / "I Lie Around"
- "Helen Wheels" / "Country Dreamer"
- "Mrs. Vandebilt" / "Bluebird"
- "Jet" / "Mamunia"
- "Let Me Roll It"
- "Band on the Run" / "Zoo Gang"
- "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five"
- "Junior's Farm" / "Sally G"
- "Listen to What the Man Said" / "Love in Song"
- "Letting Go" / "You Gave Me the Answer"
- "Venus and Mars"/"Rock Show" / "Magneto and Titanium Man"
- "Silly Love Songs" / "Cook of the House"
- "Let 'Em In" / "Beware My Love"
- "Maybe I'm Amazed" / "Soily"
- "Seaside Woman"
- "Mull of Kintyre" / "Girls' School"
- "With a Little Luck" / "Backwards Traveller"/"Cuff Link"
- "I've Had Enough" / "Deliver Your Children"
- "London Town" / "I'm Carrying"
- "Goodnight Tonight" / "Daytime Nighttime Suffering"
- "Old Siam, Sir"
- "Getting Closer"
- "Arrow Through Me" / "Old Siam, Sir"
- "Rockestra Theme"
- "Coming Up (Live at Glasgow)"
- "Mama's Little Girl"
- "Big Barn Bed"
- "Little Lamb Dragonfly"
- "No Words"
- "Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me)"
- "Call Me Back Again"
- "She's My Baby"
- "Must Do Something About It"
- "Warm and Beautiful"
- "Girlfriend"
- Wings University Tour (1972)
- Wings Over Europe Tour (1972)
- Wings 1973 UK Tour (May 1973)
- Wings Over the World tour (1975-1976)
- Wings UK Tour 1979 (1979)
- Wings Over the World (1979)
- Concert for Kampuchea (1980)
- Rockshow (1980)
- Back to the Egg (1981)
- Wingspan – An Intimate Portrait (2001)
- 1972 Wings Tour Bus
- Discography
- Songs
- McGear
- Concerts for the People of Kampuchea (album)
- Japanese Tears
- Standard Time
- Suzy and the Red Stripes
- The Oriental Nightfish
- Wide Prairie