Music Blog, Sixties

Smooth Saturday Sounds: Norwegian Wood

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”
Written by: Lennon-McCartney
Recorded:  October 1965
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith

Released: December 3, 1965 (UK), December 6, 1965 (US)

Available on:
Rubber Soul
Anthology 2

Personnel:
John Lennon – vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar
Paul McCartney – harmony vocals, bass
George Harrison – sitar, 12-string acoustic guitar
Ringo Starr – bass drum, tambourine

The first time George Harrison saw a sitar was on the set of Help; a group of Indian musicians had been recruited to add an authentic ambiance to the restaurant scenes. Back in London after the filming, George found a store called Indian Goods; inside was an inexpensive sitar which he bought and began playing around with. While recording “Norwegian Wood”, George felt it needed something in addition to the guitars. He picked up his sitar and “just sort of found the notes”. When the recording was played back, everyone agreed the sitar brought the whole piece together.

From 1965’s Rubber Soul, here are the Beatles with “Norwegian Wood”

Thanks for stopping by. May your Saturday be smooth sailing.

See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2024

Lyrics

I once had a girl
Or should I say she once had me
She showed me her room
Isn’t it good Norwegian wood?

She asked me to stay
And she told me to sit anywhere
So I looked around
And I noticed there wasn’t a chair

I sat on the rug biding my time
Drinking her wine
We talked until two and then she said
“It’s time for bed”

She told me she worked
In the morning and started to laugh
I told her I didn’t
And crawled off to sleep in the bath

And when I awoke I was alone
This bird had flown
So I lit a fire
Isn’t it good Norwegian wood?

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Paul McCartney/John Lennon
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) lyrics © Sony/ATV Tunes LLC, MPL Communications Inc.

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

24 thoughts on “Smooth Saturday Sounds: Norwegian Wood”

  3. I don’t often listen to the Beatles, although I do love this one, both listening and playing on my clarinet. I will add that blogging has expanded my musical repertoire and mindset. Thank you, Nancy!

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    1. There was a time when I listened exclusively to the Beatles; that was 60 years ago and my playlist has grown along with me. That is a direct result of blogging so I know what you’re saying. The Beatles will always be my go to band with daily required listening time. They’re good for the soul.

      Thanks for your wonderful comment, Michele. Enjoy listening and playing along. 🎶

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      1. I understand that. Those bands that show up during those most formative years will remain with us, they become part of our soul, yes – songs capturing emotions and experiences. Thank you, Nancy. 😊

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