“Come and Get It” – The Gateway to Success for Badfinger

“Come and Get It” is a song that holds a special place in rock history, not only for its catchy, upbeat melody but also because it was one of the earliest hits for the band Badfinger. Written by Paul McCartney and originally intended for The Beatles, the song was given to Badfinger in 1969 and became a major success, peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. It was included on the soundtrack for the 1969 film The Magic Christian and helped to launch Badfinger into international stardom.

The song’s creation has an interesting backstory, as it was written by Paul McCartney during the sessions for The Beatles’ Abbey Road album. McCartney recorded a demo of “Come and Get It” entirely by himself, playing all the instruments, but chose not to include it in any Beatles album. Instead, it was passed along to Badfinger, then a relatively unknown band signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records label. McCartney’s involvement gave the song a significant boost in visibility, as he personally produced the track and instructed Badfinger to perform it exactly as he had recorded it, with little variation. This allowed the song to retain much of the original Beatles flavor, while introducing the world to Badfinger’s potential as a pop-rock group.

Musically, “Come and Get It” is a perfect example of McCartney’s knack for crafting instantly memorable pop melodies. The song is built around a simple, yet infectious piano riff that drives the entire composition. Its bright, upbeat sound is accompanied by tight harmonies, a solid rhythm section, and McCartney’s signature bass style. The song’s clean production and polished sound reflect McCartney’s influence as a producer, giving it a timeless quality that still resonates with listeners today.

Lyrically, the song’s message is straightforward but carries an undertone of wisdom. The chorus, “If you want it, here it is, come and get it / But you better hurry ’cause it’s going fast,” speaks to the idea of seizing opportunities while they are available. It serves as a metaphor for life’s fleeting chances, urging listeners to take action before it’s too late. This theme of ambition and decisiveness is universal, making the song relatable to a broad audience. The lyrics can also be seen as a reflection of Badfinger’s own career at the time — they were being given a golden opportunity to make it big, and “Come and Get It” was their chance to grab success.

“Come and Get It” became a significant breakthrough for Badfinger, leading to more successful hits like “No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” and “Baby Blue.” However, it also tied the band closely to The Beatles, with some critics and fans viewing Badfinger as successors to the Fab Four. This connection to The Beatles was both a blessing and a curse; while it gave the band an initial boost, it also created high expectations and put them in a difficult position to establish their own identity separate from their mentors.

The success of “Come and Get It” demonstrated Badfinger’s potential to produce commercially successful music, yet their subsequent career would be marked by a series of tragic events, including financial mismanagement and the untimely deaths of two of its members. Despite these hardships, “Come and Get It” remains a significant part of their legacy and a testament to the band’s talent and the impact of McCartney’s songwriting.

In conclusion, “Come and Get It” by Badfinger is a pop-rock classic that launched the band’s career and showcased Paul McCartney’s songwriting genius. Its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and upbeat energy made it an instant hit in 1969, while its connection to The Beatles ensured its place in rock history. Though Badfinger would face many challenges in their career, “Come and Get It” remains a lasting reminder of the band’s early promise and the timeless appeal of great pop music.