Flaming Pie - Home Recording

The Beatles were known for having fun with journalists, rarely giving a straight answer at their early press conferences. The title of this song (and the album) comes from something John Lennon used to say in response to the constant question, "How did the band get its name?" Lennon's reply: "I had a vision that a man came unto us on a flaming pie, and he said, 'You are Beatles with an A.' And so we were."

McCartney conceived much of the Flaming Pie album while he was working on the Beatles Anthology project; he explained: "Watching the Anthology also reminded me of the time that we didn't take to make an album and of the fun we had when we did one. The Beatles were not a serious group… So I wanted to try to get back into some of that; to have some fun and not sweat it."

Jeff Lynne sang on this track, played electric guitar, and produced it with McCartney. Paul decided he wanted to simulate a typical early Beatles session for this track, which meant recording three songs in about four hours. McCartney sang it live while he played the piano and Lynne played guitar; drums and bass, then guitars and backing vocals were then added.