The Meaning Behind The Song: Come And Get It by Badfinger
When we listen to a song, it’s easy to be swept away by the melody or the beat. But what about the lyrics? Do we really pay attention to them? When it comes to Badfinger’s “Come And Get It,” there’s more than meets the ear. In this article, we’ll dive into the story behind the song and what it really means.
What’s the History of Badfinger?
Before we get into the song itself, let’s talk about Badfinger. This British rock band formed in the mid-60s and saw success throughout the ’70s. They were signed to Apple Records, which was owned by The Beatles, and even had one of their songs produced by Paul McCartney.
Despite their success, Badfinger struggled with financial and legal troubles, and in 1975, two of their members, Pete Ham and Tom Evans, took their own lives. Their legacy lives on, however, through their music, including “Come And Get It.”
What’s the Story Behind the Song?
At first listen, “Come And Get It” may seem like a straightforward love song. But the story behind it is more complicated than that. Paul McCartney actually wrote the song for The Beatles’ record label, Apple Records, to be used in a film called “The Magic Christian.”
The movie is a satire of wealth and greed, and “Come And Get It” was meant to be a commentary on those themes. The lyrics talk about a woman who’s in control and manipulates men to get what she wants. It’s not a love story at all, but a cautionary tale.
The Lyrics of “Come And Get It”
Let’s take a closer look at some of the lyrics that highlight the true meaning of “Come And Get It”:
>”If you want it, here it is, come and get it.
Mmmm, make your mind up fast.
If you want it anytime, I can give it,
But you better hurry ’cause it may not last.”
This opening verse sets the tone for the entire song. The speaker is offering something to someone, but it’s not clear what that is yet. The urgency in the lyrics (“make your mind up fast,” “hurry ’cause it may not last”) suggest that whatever it is, it’s valuable and won’t be around for long.
>”Did I hear you say that there must be a catch?
Will you walk away from a fool and his money?”
Here, we see the first hint of the song’s commentary on wealth and greed. The person being offered something is skeptical – they assume there must be a “catch” or an ulterior motive. The second line suggests that the person with the initial offer is also skeptical, assuming that the person being offered something might walk away with their money.
>”If you want it, here it is, come and get it,
But you better hurry ’cause it’s going fast.
If you want it, here it is, come and get it,
Mmmm, make your mind up fast.”
These lines repeat the urgency from the opening lines. Whatever is being offered is in high demand, and the person offering it wants to make sure others know that.
>”You can make it yours if you want it.
You can make it yours if you try.
You can make it yours if you want it.
You can make it yours, don’t deny.”
These lines might seem like they’re just repeating the same sentiment as the previous verses, but they’re actually important. The speaker is telling the person being offered something that it’s up to them to make it theirs. They have the power to take control, but they have to be willing to try and not deny themselves.
The Legacy of “Come And Get It”
“Come And Get It” may have been written in 1969, but its message is still relevant today. Wealth and greed are still prevalent topics, and the cautionary tale of the song reminds us that sometimes, things that seem too good to be true really are.
The legacy of Badfinger lives on, and their music continues to inspire new generations of artists. “Come And Get It” may not be as well-known as some of their other songs, but its message is just as important.
In conclusion, when you listen to “Come And Get It” by Badfinger, take a moment to really listen to the lyrics. The true meaning behind the song is a commentary on wealth and greed, and a reminder that sometimes, things that seem too good to be true really are.
