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The Beatles “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” Handwritten Lyrics by Mal Evans Used During “Get Back” Studio Sessions.
The subject of a new biography, Mal Evans was, with Neil Aspinall, one of two critical members of The Beatles’ inner circle who were with them not only through most of their years as a band, but also working with them during their solo careers. Here is a draft of The Beatles’ “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” handwritten by Mal Evans.
Before the proliferation of photocopying machines, lyrics would have been written out by hand for use by all those present in the recording studio. After beginning life with the Beatles as road manager, Mal Evans would later assist the band in the studio and would often be given the job of writing out the lyrics. The 2021 film Get Back chronicled The Beatles’ recording sessions in January 1969, and Mal can often be seen writing down lyrics for use in the studio. Paul McCartney instructs, “Mal, you should get a hammer, and an anvil,” and Mal can later be seen “playing” the anvil, that he was tasked with finding. One can see Mal holding one of the drafts of the “Maxwell” lyrics as he strikes the anvil on cue during these initial sessions for “Maxwell's Silver Hammer.”
McCartney would not finish the song for another six months, and was recorded for Abbey Road in July 1969.
The lyrics measure approximately 8 x 13 inches and are in blue fountain pen. According to the Christie’s 2006 catalog, these lyrics came from the collection of McCartney biographer Barry Miles.
Authentication: Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.