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First-draft lyrics for the song "Goodbye", handwritten in 1969 by Paul McCartney. The song was performed by fellow Apple Records artist Mary Hopkin, though The Beatles' own demo version was released in 2019 on the Abbey Road 50th Anniversary Edition. Hopkin's recording was released on 28 March 1969, peaking at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, only just behind The Beatles' "Get Back".
McCartney's first draft has appeared in various Beatles magazines, including page 93 of The Beatles 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition, a copy of which is included in this lot. McCartney himself showcased the lyrics in a special booklet included with the Abbey Road 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe and Deluxe Box editions. In this booklet, he credits the song as a Lennon and McCartney composition, though it is widely acknowledged as primarily his work.
The lyrics are inscribed on a piece of Apple Records official paper in black marker, with chord arrangements noted above the lines in ballpoint pen. The majority of the lyrics written on this page appear in the final recorded version of the song. Some lines from the second verse are arranged in a different order, with McCartney adding annotated arrows to indicate where individual lines should be repositioned, offering a rare insight into the evolution of the composition during the songwriting process.
Accompanying the lyrics and magazine are the original Apple single; a photograph of McCartney and Hopkin performing during the "Goodbye" sessions; an Apple press-kit feature on Hopkin; her 1969 Hope Award from the Valentine Pop Poll Awards, with its original case; a booklet of the song's sheet music; and a copy of an email from Hopkin's manager, Stanley Sherrington detailing how McCartney gave these lyrics to her during the recording of the song. The autographs in this lot have been professionally reviewed by Roger Epperson Authentication Ltd (REAL).
The paper on which the lyrics are written exhibits discolouration and stains consistent with age, and the bottom edge is torn off. The award's case also exhibits significant wear. Dimensions (lyrics sheet): 27 cm x 21 cm (10.75" x 8.25")
The handwriting in this lot has been professionally authenticated by expert Garry King; see notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: £55,000 - 110,000 Ω