Paul McCartney recounts the tumultuous period following The Beatles' breakup, including the 'Paul is dead' rumors, his retreat to a remote Scottish farm with Linda, and his journey of self-discovery, learning practical skills, and reigniting his musical career, ultimately finding freedom and a new sense of purpose.
Paul McCartney reflects on the chaotic autumn of 1969, when rumors of his death coincided with the dissolution of The Beatles. Feeling 'dead' in many ways, overwhelmed by legal and personal strife, he and his new wife, Linda, retreated to a remote 183-acre sheep farm in Scotland. This isolation, initially daunting, proved to be their salvation. Paul describes learning essential rural skills like mixing cement, shearing sheep, and gardening, finding profound satisfaction and self-dependence in these tasks. Linda, despite not being a great cook initially, became his steadfast ally, helping him navigate depression and the pressures of post-Beatles life. Their daughters, Mary and Stella, recall a childhood rooted in nature and family bonding, contrasting sharply with the rock'n'roll chaos of later Wings tours. The article details how this period of 'back to basics' allowed Paul to rediscover his creative freedom, leading to his first solo album, 'McCartney,' and the eventual formation of Wings. He recounts the emotional challenge of leaving his 'life's job' and how Linda encouraged him to make music again, starting with simple four-track recordings. The experience transformed him, enabling him to lead his own life, appreciate simpler joys, and find a new continuum in his music, exemplified by songs like 'Maybe I'm Amazed,' which captured the bliss and fear of new marriage.
