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Blackbird

"Blackbird" is a song by the Beatles from their 1968 double album *The Beatles* (the White Album).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Blackbird" is a song by the Beatles from their 1968 double album *The Beatles* (the White Album). It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney; McCartney performed it as a solo acoustic piece. McCartney has said the song was inspired by a blackbird's call in India and by the U.S. civil rights movement.

Background

"Blackbird" was recorded and released during the Beatles' late 1960s period. It appeared on *The Beatles*, often called the White Album, and was issued on 22 November 1968.

Composition and inspiration

McCartney has described the song as drawing on the sound of a blackbird in India and the social context of civil rights struggles in the southern United States. The title has also been interpreted as symbolic rather than literally about birds.

Recording

The song is notable for its sparse arrangement, with McCartney singing and accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. It is one of the Beatles' best-known solo-style performances within the group's catalogue.

Reception

"Blackbird" has been widely praised and is often listed among McCartney's strongest and most admired songs. It has remained one of the Beatles' most enduring recordings.

Key facts

  • Released on the Beatles' 1968 double album *The Beatles* (the White Album).
  • Written by Paul McCartney, though credited to Lennon–McCartney.
  • Performed primarily as a solo acoustic recording by McCartney.
  • McCartney said the lyrics were inspired by a blackbird he heard in Rishikesh, India, and by the civil rights movement in the United States.
  • The song is widely regarded as one of McCartney's best-known compositions.
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Canadian context

The song is part of the Beatles’ catalogue, which has had major and lasting popularity in Canada through radio, recordings, and McCartney’s later tours.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Blackbird"?
Paul McCartney wrote it, but it is credited to Lennon–McCartney.
What album is "Blackbird" on?
It appears on the Beatles' 1968 double album *The Beatles*, known as the White Album.
When was "Blackbird" released?
It was released on 22 November 1968.
What inspired the song?
McCartney has said it was inspired by a blackbird's call in India and by the U.S. civil rights movement.
Who performs the song?
Paul McCartney performs it as a solo acoustic piece.

References

  1. The Beatles — https://www.thebeatles.com/blackbird
    Supports: Official Beatles page confirming the song, album, writer credit, and release date.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbird_(Beatles_song)
    Supports: Background on authorship, inspiration, release date, and reception.
  3. The Beatles Bible — https://www.beatlesbible.com/songs/blackbird/
    Supports: Recording details, release dates, and song facts.