The famous urban legend is no secret. The 'Paul is dead' myth has been circulating since 1969. The legend is that the bassist died in 1966 in a car crash and was replaced by William Campbell, the winner of a Paul McCartney look-a-like contest. In 1969, shortly after the release of Abbey Road, an American university newspaper published an article describing rumours that Paul was dead and that certain 'clues' could be found on the Beatles' songs. A radio station later discussed the clues on-air with callers. Paul was actually involved in an accident in late 1965, resulting in a chipped tooth, which can be clearly seen in the 'Rain' and 'Paperback Writer' promotional videos released in 1966.
The zany clues are derived from apparent messages in backwards lyrics and imaginative imagery on album covers. According to legend, the other three Beatles planted the clues on purpose to alert everyone that the 'real' Paul is dead and that he had been replaced. Here's a list of the supposed 'clues':
- "Turn me on, dead man" is apparently heard when 'Revolution 9' is played backwards
- John Lennon says "I buried Paul" in the last bit of 'Strawberry Fields Forever' (Paul revealed the words were actually "cranberry sauce")
- The lyrics of 'A Day in The Life' document the events of Paul's death
- On the back of the Sgt. Pepper album, Paul's back is turned to the camera, whereas John, Ringo and George face the camera
- The line "you were in a car crash and you lost your hair" from Ringo's White Album song 'Don't Pass Me By'
- At the end of the Magical Mystery Tour film, when performing 'Your Mother Should Know', Paul wears a black carnation whilst the other three Beatles wear red ones
- "The walrus was Paul" in 'Glass Onion'
- The supposed Paul replacement, William Shears Campbell, ironically shares the same name as Ringo's alter ego Billy Shears on 'With a Little Help From My Friends'
The Abbey Road album cover is most abundant in 'clues' and supposed hidden meanings. The four Beatles crossing the road is said to resemble a funeral procession. George, dressed casually in denim, is the gravedigger. John, dressed in white, is the 'heavenly figure'. Ringo, dressed in black, is the mourner. And Paul... Paul is out of step with the rest, he's barefoot and he carries a cigarette in his right hand (Paul is left-handed) - so, obviously, he is an imposter Paul. Also, the numberplate of the white Volkswagen Beetle in the background says 28IF - Paul would be 28 years old IF he were alive.
Many investigative videos found on YouTube attempt to brainwash viewers into believing that Paul really is dead by going as far to show pre-1967 photos next to post-1967 photos and pointing out the facial differences such as his nose or chin shape or which hand he is using to play his guitar.
In late 1969, Paul came back into the spotlight (his absence from the media sparked more reasons why he was, in fact, a replacement), appearing on a magazine cover with wife Linda, adopted daughter Heather and newborn daughter Mary. In the magazine report, Paul fervently denied the 'Paul is dead' rumours, stating that he had not been in the press lately as he would like to be "a little less famous these days".
There have been hundreds of 'clues' reported. However, it seems completely barbaric that 'Faul' could've penned number one hits such as 'Hey Jude' and 'Let it Be'. These supposed clues are only made up by people with imaginative minds with nothing else better to do with their lives. After all, how could someone purposely make a song say something backwards?
Read the sequel to this post here.
