- Published on 1966
- Author: Lennon/McCartney
- Track 8 on “Revolver“
JOHN 1972: “Paul. But I think maybe I helped him with some of the lyric.”
JOHN 1980: “‘Good Day Sunshine’ is Paul’s. Maybe I threw in a line or something.”
PAUL 1984: “Wrote that out at John’s one day… the sun was shining. Influenced by the Lovin’ Spoonful.”
PAUL circa-1994: “‘Good Day Sunshine’ was me trying to write something similar to ‘Daydream.’ John and I wrote it together at Kenwood, but it was basically mine and he helped me with it.”
About “Good Day Sunshine”
“Good Day Sunshine” was written mainly by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The song was intended to be in the style of the Lovin’ Spoonful’s contemporaneous hit single, “Daydream”. A vaudevillian mood is evoked by multiple pianos played in a barrelhouse style.
There are key changes and metric anomalies in the composition, and the song closes with voices chanting the title. The recording’s lyrics, which celebrate romantic love and sunshine, contrast with Revolver‘s more austere and experimental aesthetic. While some critics have praised the song’s lightheartedness, others see it as diluting the album’s strengths.
There have been covers of “Good Day Sunshine” by the Tremeloes, Claudine Longet, and Robbie Williams. For his 1984 film Give My Regards to Broad Street, McCartney re-recorded the song and has performed it regularly. Space Shuttle mission STS-135 used the song as its wake-up music. As part of a concert link-up to the International Space Station, McCartney played it live to the crew in November 2005.
Meaning of “Good Day Sunshine”
The meaning of “Good Day Sunshine” is fairly straightforward. The song is an expression of joy and positivity, capturing the feeling of a bright and sunny day. The lyrics convey a sense of happiness and contentment, celebrating the simple pleasures of life.
The song’s lyrics are filled with imagery of sunshine and its positive effects on the world. It’s often interpreted as a love song, with the sunshine serving as a metaphor for the warmth and happiness that love brings into one’s life.
“Good Day Sunshine” is considered one of McCartney’s optimistic and feel-good compositions. Its catchy tune and uplifting lyrics have made it a beloved song in The Beatles’ catalog. The track’s cheerful nature and memorable melody have contributed to its enduring popularity over the years.
Personnel
- Paul McCartney – lead and backing vocals, pianos, handclaps
- John Lennon – harmony and backing vocals, rhythm guitar, handclaps
- George Harrison – harmony and backing vocals, bass guitar, handclaps
- Ringo Starr – drums, supplementary drums and cymbal, handclaps
- George Martin – piano solo
