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"Take It Away" is a single by Paul McCartney from his 1982 album Tug of War. The single spent sixteen weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, reaching #10 and spending five consecutive weeks at that position.[1][2] It reached #15 in the UK.[3] The music video, directed by John Makenzie, features former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and long-time producer George Martin, both of whom played on the track, as well as actor John Hurt and Linda McCartney.[4]

"Take It Away"
Single by Paul McCartney
from the album Tug of War
B-side	"I'll Give You a Ring" (7") "I'll Give You a Ring" / "Dress Me Up as a Robber" (12")
Released	21 June 1982 (7") 5 July 1982 (12")
Recorded	February 1981 AIR Studios, Montserrat
Genre	Pop
Length	4:13 (album version) 3:59 (single/video version)
Label	Parlophone/EMI
Songwriter(s)	Paul McCartney
Producer(s)	George Martin
Paul McCartney singles chronology
"Ebony and Ivory" (1982) "Take It Away" (1982) "Tug of War" (1982)
Alternative cover
Music video
"Take It Away" on YouTube

Cash Box said that it's a "dense, multi-layered pop confection" that "keeps the listener on his/her toes throughout the song, going from a lazy tropical-type rhythm to a galloping brass section."[5] Ultimate Classic Rock critic Nick DeRiso rated it as the best song on Tug of War, stating that it starts "with an off-kilter rhythm courtesy of Ringo Starr and all of the tasteful hallmarks of a George Martin production" and becomes "one of McCartney's patented pop confections, featuring a feverish horn counterpoint, deceptively intricate bass, and an utterly indecipherable narrative."[6] DeRiso also praises Eric Stewart's backing vocals.[6]

Although there is a segue from "Tug of War" into this song on the album, the single version instead starts cleanly but fades out earlier at the end.

Track listings

7" single

1. "Take It Away" – 3:59
2. "I'll Give You a Ring" – 3:05

12" single (black vinyl everywhere else; clear yellow vinyl in Japan)[7]

1. "Take It Away" – 3:59
2. "I'll Give You a Ring" – 3:05
3. "Dress Me Up as a Robber" – 2:40

Personnel

"Take It Away"

• Paul McCartney – lead and backing vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, piano
• Linda McCartney – backing vocals
• Eric Stewart – backing vocals
• Ringo Starr – drums
• Steve Gadd – drums
• George Martin – electric piano

"I'll Give You a Ring"

• Paul McCartney – vocals, electric guitar, bass, piano, drums
• Tony Coe – clarinet
• Linda McCartney – backing vocals
• Eric Stewart – backing vocals

Chart performance

References

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