Even decades after his death, John Lennon’s impact on music and those closest to him is, of course, immeasurable. But for Paul McCartney, one memory from that final time together at New York’s Dakota building has lingered with a bittersweet weight: Lennon’s last words to his former bandmate were heartbreakingly simple – yet profoundly moving.
The story came to light through a touching encounter involving Carl Perkins, legendary rockabilly singer and songwriter. In 1981, McCartney travelled to Montserrat to work on his Tug of War album in the state-of-the-art studio built by Beatles producer George Martin and, during these sessions, he invited Perkins to provide vocals on the track ‘Get It’. The experience clearly left a deep impression on Perkins, who later wrote the song ‘My Old Friend’ as a tribute to Paul.
He recalled that, unusually, the lyrics seemed to appear fully formed in his mind without pen or paper – a rare instance of inspiration striking so effortlessly.
When Perkins played ‘My Old Friend’ to McCartney, the response was immediate and emotional. Paul was reportedly overwhelmed, tears streaming down his face, while his wife Linda comforted him. Perkins remembered Linda saying: “He hasn’t been able to really break down since that happened to John.”
It was then she revealed the extraordinary connection at the heart of the song. In the hallway of the Dakota building, Lennon reportedly patted McCartney on the shoulder and said, “Think about me every now and then, old friend.”
Perkins used this poignant farewell as the inspiration for the chorus of My Old Friend, which Paul later confirmed carried the weight of Lennon’s memory. According to Perkins, McCartney genuinely felt that Lennon had “sent” him the song from beyond, as if the music itself conveyed a final message of friendship and remembrance.
Perkins and McCartney reunited in 1993, and footage of the pair together shows Paul attempting to hold back his emotions as they shared the memory.
The lyrics of ‘My Old Friend’ expand on Lennon’s simple farewell, reflecting both longing and comfort: “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?”