The world was still in shock. In the early months of 1981, the shocking murder of John Lennon cast a long, dark shadow over his closest friends and former bandmates. Paul McCartney, seeking refuge and focus in music, retreated to the Caribbean island of Montserrat. There, nestled amidst the tropical landscape, was AIR Studios, owned by legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin – a familiar haven during a difficult period.
Paul was making his Tug of War album, which everyone would later love. He asked one of his music heroes, Carl Perkins, who was a really important early rock and roll guitarist and songwriter, to work with him. They wanted to write a fun song together called "Get It," and Paul knew Perkins' special guitar style would be perfect for it. Paul's wife, Linda McCartney, was also there, always supporting him.
George Harrison and Ringo Starr also came to Montserrat during this period, adding to the emotional mood. Even though it wasn't a Beatles reunion, their presence felt like a quiet solidarity, a place to deal with the unthinkable loss that had happened just a few weeks before. It was a delicate time, filled with unspoken sadness.
A Song Born from Gratitude
Carl Perkins, touched by Paul and Linda's kindness, felt a surge of inspiration the night before he left. A melody and lyrics formed in his mind, a simple thank you and warmth for their time together. Unlike his usual habit of writing ideas down right away, he didn't write this one down. It felt complete, etched clearly in his memory.
Carl grabbed his guitar the next morning. He wanted to play his new song, "My Old Friend," for Paul and Linda as a thank you for their kindness.
The Moment the Music Stopped
He began to play and sing, the gentle melody filling the room. Then, Carl reached the lines:
"...if we never meet again this side of life, in a little while, over yonder, where there’s peace and quiet, my old friend, won’t you think about me every now and then?"
Mid-lyric, Paul abruptly stood up and walked out of the room, tears streaming down his face.
Perkins stopped playing, confused and worried he'd upset someone. But Linda hugged him right away. She thanked him, saying Paul hadn't really cried since John died. Carl's song had somehow broken through Paul's sadness.
An Unbelievable Echo
Later, Paul composed himself and explained the overwhelming reaction. The final words John Lennon had spoken to him, during their last conversation in the hallway of the Dakota building in New York City, were hauntingly similar:
"Think about me now and then, old friend."
What a crazy coincidence! Carl Perkins wrote a thank-you song that just happened to sound like John's last words, even though Carl had no idea what they were. It was like their friendship was so strong, it was almost magical, and their music just understood each other.
"My Old Friend," a song I unexpectedly received from a rockabilly star, helped me heal. It was a touching reminder of a friend I had lost, and it felt like a strange, lucky coincidence that this music came to me.
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