About the song
“It Don’t Come Easy” by Ringo Starr is a quintessential rock song that showcases the talents of the Beatles’ beloved drummer as a solo artist. Released as a single in April 1971, this track marked a significant step in Ringo Starr’s post-Beatles career, proving his ability to craft and perform compelling music on his own.
The song was written by Ringo Starr with substantial uncredited help from his former bandmate George Harrison. Harrison also produced the track, adding his distinctive touch with the guitar riffs and backing vocals. This collaboration resulted in a polished, upbeat rock song that carries a message of perseverance and optimism.
“It Don’t Come Easy” was recorded during a series of sessions between March 1970 and March 1971, featuring a line-up of notable musicians, including Harrison on guitar, Klaus Voormann on bass, and Stephen Stills on piano. The track is distinguished by its catchy melody, strong rhythm section, and the inclusion of a brass section that adds a vibrant layer to the song’s arrangement.
Upon its release, “It Don’t Come Easy” was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The single reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. It also found success internationally, charting high in several other countries. The song’s success helped establish Ringo Starr as a viable solo artist in the music industry, independent of his legacy with The Beatles.
The lyrics of “It Don’t Come Easy” reflect Starr’s personal philosophy and life experiences, emphasizing the importance of effort and resilience. The refrain “It don’t come easy, you know it don’t come easy” resonates with listeners who understand that meaningful achievements often require hard work and dedication.
The track was later included on various compilation albums, such as “Blast from Your Past” (1975), which features Ringo Starr’s hit singles from his solo career. “It Don’t Come Easy” remains one of Starr’s most popular and enduring songs, frequently performed at his live concerts and celebrated by fans for its timeless appeal.
In summary, “It Don’t Come Easy” is a standout single in Ringo Starr’s solo discography, embodying the spirit of perseverance and the joy of musical collaboration. Its success not only demonstrated Starr’s talents beyond his role as The Beatles’ drummer but also cemented his status as a respected solo artist. The song continues to be cherished by fans old and new, a testament to its enduring charm and the universal truth it conveys.
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Lyrics
One, two,
One, two, three, four!It don’t come easy,
You know it don’t come easy.
It don’t come easy,
You know it don’t come easy.Got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues,
And you know it don’t come easy.
You don’t have to shout or leap about,
You can even play them easy.Open up your heart, let’s come together,
Use a little love
And we will make it work out better,I don’t ask for much, I only want your trust,
And you know it don’t come easy.
And this love of mine keeps growing all the time,
And you know it don’t come easy.Peace, remember peace is how we make it,
Here within your reach
If you’re big enough to take it.Got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues,
And you know it don’t come easy.
You don’t have to shout or leap about,
You can even play them easy.Peace, remember peace is how we make it,
Here within your reach
If you’re big enough to take it.I don’t ask for much, I only want your trust,
And you know it don’t come easy.
And this love of mine keeps growing all the time,
And you know it don’t come easy.“what’s my name?” ringo!
“what’s my name?” ringo!“just in case anybody forgot.”