May 2, 2025 —– Chart #296
Hello Music Friends,
Hey folks, welcome to another edition of Chart of the Week. Grab your peace medallion and fluff up your sideburns — this week we’re spinning one of the finest solo statements to ever come out of a former Beatle: “It Don’t Come Easy” by Ringo Starr. Released in 1971, this song proved that Ringo was more than just the guy who sat behind the drums looking like he was trying to remember where he left his tea.
Now, let’s address the Fab Four-shaped elephant in the room — Ringo didn’t write this song alone. The official credit goes to Mr. Starr, but Beatleologists (and anyone with ears) will tell you George Harrison had a mighty big hand in crafting this gem. George not only helped write it, but also produced it and played that signature slide guitar part that sounds like it was piped in straight from the heavens… or at least Abbey Road.
The recording featured a who’s who of early-’70s rock royalty. That’s Klaus Voormann — longtime friend of the Beatles and certified cool cat — holding down the bass. On keys? None other than Gary Wright, who later gave us “Dream Weaver,” and apparently had access to a Hammond organ powerful enough to make plants grow. Toss in George’s guitar and Ringo’s laid-back vocals, and you’ve got a track smoother than a velvet leisure suit.
Musically, “It Don’t Come Easy” walks a fine line between optimism and hard-earned realism. It’s a groovy little reminder that good things in life — love, peace, learning to assemble IKEA furniture — take effort. The message is clear: nothing worth having ever lands in your lap, unless maybe you’re Paul McCartney.
Ringo delivers the lines with that trademark warmth and just a touch of exasperation, like a guy who’s seen a few things and still chooses to believe in the good. He’s not angry. He’s just calmly pointing out that life is a little uphill, baby. So lace up your shoes and quit whining.
The song charted like a champ, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., and proving that Ringo could make hits on his own — no mop-top backup required. And let’s be honest: it might be the best solo Beatles single not written by Lennon, McCartney, or Harrison. Yeah, I said it.
There’s something deeply satisfying about playing this one on guitar. It’s got enough bounce to get your head nodding, enough soul to make you mean it when you sing, and enough slide guitar to make you wish George had stuck around for just one more jam session.
So this week, tip your hat to the most lovable Beatle. He kept the beat, cracked the jokes, and reminded us all — in song and in spirit — that while it don’t come easy, it sure sounds good trying.
Keep Rockin’,
Stan Bradshaw