Trust me #119
Calico Skies by Paul McCartney
Calico Skies is a gorgeous mid-period Paul McCartney song from 1997's Flaming Pie album. It's one that I always come back to and regularly discuss with my good friend Dougie.
Dougie and his lovely wife Fiona played Calico Skies to their newly born daughter Ailsa when they were en route home from the hospital. When you hear the chorus you might suddenly find something making your eyes water. A perfect choice.
In case, like me, you wondered what a calico sky actually is, here is what google returned - it is a meteorological term for a sky covered in patchy, high-altitude clouds, typically cirrocumulus or altocumulus. These clouds break up into small, distinct and puffy white or grey sections separated by blue sky, closely resembling the patchy, multi-coloured coat of a calico cat.
So there you go!
As for the song, McCartney is at his melodic and romantic best. The acoustic guitar riff is playful, McCartney's voice is tender and sincere. There is no doubt who McCartney is singing to - Linda - the love of his life.
It was written that I would love you
From the moment I opened my eyes
And the morning when I first saw you
Gave me life under calico skies
Then we have the gorgeous chorus, McCartney pouring his heart out. Pure love and pure care. Beautiful. This melts my heart every single time I hear it!
I will hold you, for as long as you like
I'll hold you, for the rest of my life
McCartney then ups the romance! What a guy. What a songwriter. The second verse is heartfelt, a complete outpouring of love, beautiful to hear and to read. Imagine having someone write poetry like this for you. Macca was head over heels for Linda.
Always looking for ways to love you
Never failing to fight at your side
While the angels of love protect us
From the innermost secrets we hide
Then back into the chorus, that sounds even better second time in.
McCartney has described Calico Skies as "a gentle love song that becomes a gentle protest song", as you can tell from the third verse. The last line really nails Paul's colours to the mast.
Long live all of us crazy soldiers
Who were born under calico skies
May we never be called to handle
All the weapons of war we despise
Then we're into a double chorus which includes a subtle but clever single word change second time round, with Paul changing hold to love.
I will hold you, for as long as you like
I'll hold you, for the rest of my life
I'll hold you, for as long as you like
I'll love you, for the rest of my
For the rest of my life
McCartney turned 84 in June, shortly after releasing his latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane. His rich catalogue of music from The Beatles, Wings, as The Fireman, his classical work and his 20 solo album is truly exceptional.
Since Love Me Do b/w P.S. I Love You, Paul has written/co-written and released hundreds of songs into the world. For its warmth, heart, charm and melody, Calico Skies is a real favourite of mine.
Calico Skies is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE. Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.
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