- Published on 1969
- Author: Lennon/McCartney
- Track 13 on “Abbey Road“
GEORGE 1969: “A very strange song of Paul’s with terrific lyrics, but it’s hard to explain what they’re all about.”
JOHN 1980: “He wrote that when we were in New York announcing Apple and we first met Linda. Maybe she’s the one that came in the window.”
About “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window”
“She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” is a vibrant track featured on Beatles’ seminal 1969 album Abbey Road. Penned by Paul McCartney and jointly credited to Lennon–McCartney, it occupies a pivotal position as the fifth song in the album’s climactic medley, seamlessly following “Polythene Pam.”
The foundational rhythm track for both “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” and “Polythene Pam” was captured by The Beatles as a single entity on July 25, 1969. Following take 39, lead vocals were layered, and subsequent re-recordings of drums and bass ensued. July 28 witnessed the incorporation of additional vocals, guitar, percussion, and piano. The song was polished off two days later with supplementary guitar and percussion. Notably, “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” transitions abruptly after “Polythene Pam” without pause. As the tempo shifts, John Lennon’s laughter and exclamation, “Oh, look out!” signal the impending change.
A slower rendition of this song, recorded in late January 1969 during the Get Back sessions, can be found on the 1996 compilation “Anthology 3.” Additionally, a work-in-progress version is featured on the 2021 release, “Let It Be 50th Anniversary Edition.”
Meaning of “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window”
Paul McCartney drew inspiration for this song from a real-life encounter with an ardent fan who frequented his residence in St. John’s Wood. While the identity of the intruder is not explicitly mentioned, it’s commonly believed to be about a real-life incident involving a fan who entered Paul McCartney’s home. The intruder took pictures and stole a silver spoon before being caught. The fan, Diane Ashley, ultimately broke in, recounting:
“In a moment of boredom, we decided to pay him a visit. Spotting a ladder in his garden, we propped it up against the bathroom window, which he had left slightly ajar. It was me who ascended and entered.”
Diane then proceeded to open the front door, allowing her companions to join her inside. Along with some articles of clothing, the fans also made off with a collection of photographs.
Margo Bird, who enjoyed a close friendship with McCartney – often taking his dog for walks – and later secured a position at Apple Corps, recalls being tasked with retrieving a photograph of McCartney’s father, Jim, which she successfully accomplished.
“She Came In Through The Bathroom Window” can be seen as a reflection on fame, celebrity, and the sometimes invasive nature of fan culture. The lyrics capture the surreal and unsettling experience of having a stranger invade one’s private space, which can be a challenging aspect of being in the public eye.
Additionally, the song’s upbeat and almost whimsical musical arrangement contrasts with the potentially disturbing narrative, creating an interesting juxtaposition. This contrast might reflect the way fame can bring both moments of joy and moments of intrusion and discomfort.
Personnel
- Paul McCartney – lead and harmony vocals, bass guitar
- John Lennon – 12-string acoustic guitar, backing vocals
- George Harrison – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Ringo Starr – drums
- uncredited – tambourine, maracas, “whipcrack” percussion
