Behind the Meaning of Paul McCartney’s Other Assuage to a Child of a Beatle, “Little Willow”

In terms of songs Paul McCartney wrote as an assuage for a child of a Beatles member, “Hey Jude” is certainly the most well-known. However, there is another song that is equally as heartfelt: “Little Willow.” Uncover the meaning behind this track, below.

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Behind the Meaning of Paul McCartney’s Other Assuage to a Child of a Beatle, “Little Willow”

Bend, little willow
Wind’s going to blow you hard and cold tonight
Life, as it happens
Nobody warns you, willow, hold on tight

Nothing’s gonna shake your love
Take your love away
No one’s out to break your heart
It only seems that way, hey

McCartney was close with Ringo Starr’s first wife, Maureen. Maureen passed after having transplant complications while battling leukemia. Despite the Beatles having been broken up for a while, McCartney kept the late Mrs. Starkey in mind. Moreover, he felt for her children in the wake of her death. He penned this song in response.

“I wanted to somehow convey how much I thought of her,” McCartney once said. “For her and her kids. It certainly is heartfelt, and I hope it will help a bit.”

Sleep little willow, peace going to follow
Time will heal your wounds
Grow to the heavens, now and forever
Always came too soon

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Little did McCartney know, just a year after sharing this song, he would lose his own wife, Linda. Given that tragedy, this song becomes even more palpable. The lyrics remind us that love sticks around after we lose someone. Though it’s never easy, this song lightens the heart a bit.

Even though McCartney wrote this with a specific person in mind, he hoped it would be a universal sentiment.

“I always prefer to conjure up some story or tale or some bit of imagination around something, because then I can get my emotions out but it’s not quite as raw,” McCartney once said. “And I think it makes it a little more available to people if you call it ‘Little Willow.’ We’ve all got a Little Willow.”

Revisit “Little Willow,” below.

Nothing’s going to shake your love
Take your love away
No one’s out to break your heart
It only seems that way, hey

Bend, little willow
Wind’s going to blow you hard and cold tonight
Life, as it happens
Nobody warns you, willow, hold on tight

(Photo by David Harris/Keystone/Getty Images)