“Let Me Roll It” by Paul McCartney + Wings
from the album, Band On the Run (1973)

“Let Me Roll It” is the 5th Track on the 1973 album by Paul McCartney and Wings, Band On the Run. It was released as the B-Side to the single “Jet”, in 1974, and has remained one of McCartney’s live show staples since it was released.

“Let Me Roll It” (live) from, “Wings Fly South” (1975)

A Bit of the Beatles in “Let Me Roll It”?

Some critics say this song has a distinctive John Lennon sound to it. Admittedly, the first time I heard it I felt the same. The guitar riff especially is what critics have pointed out, though it was the vocals that stood out to me as Lennon-esque during that first listen.

When Paul was asked about it he was quoted as saying the vocal “does sound like John…I hadn’t realized I’d sung it like John.”

The song may “sound” like John, but the title was inspired by George. It was inspired by a quote from George Harrison’s “Id Have You Anytime”, the opening track to Harrison’s album, All Things Must Pass.

“I’d Have You Anytime” by George Harrison

There have been many covers of “Let Me Roll It” done by different artists/bands. My favorite is by Brendan Benson.

“Let Me Roll It” by Brendan Benson

The Melvins’ cover is pretty cool, too.

“Let Me Roll It” (live) by The Melvins

My Thoughts

This is one of my all-time favorite Macca songs, and it is definitely my favorite off of the 1973 Band On the Run album. Recently, my boyfriend and I acquired a QUAD 8-Track Tape of Band On the Run, and I was reminded just how much I love this song.

It is the guitar riffs and the keyboards I like the best. Lyrically, I love the kind of love that this song speaks to me about. My interpretation, at least, is it is about a passionate love that is also more than passion alone. A love that is for another person, but also a love and/or belief in oneself. The kind of love that completes.

The kind of love that at times is undefinable.