1971
Details
RINGO STARR USED LYRICS TO 'IT DON'T COME EASY'
1971
A piece of lined notebook paper with handwritten lyrics to the song, 'It Don't Come Easy.' Neatly written for Ringo Starr by Mal Evans, the Beatles' roadie/equipment manager, so he could read the song while performing it at 'The Concert for Bangla Desh' on July 31, 1971, Ringo taped this actual sheet to his drumset while onstage. (The tape and its residue is still apparent halfway down the page.) Penned in blue ballpoint ink, the manuscript reads in full:
Don't Come Easy
Got to pay your dues if you want to 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
For get [sic] about the past and all your sorrow
The future won't last it will soon be our tomorrow
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
You know it just ain't easy
Open up your heart let's come together
Use a little love and we will make it work out better
Solo
Got to pay your dues if you want to 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 with in [sic] your reach if you're big enough
to take it.
Though Starr is credited with writing this song that broke into the Top 5 on Billboard, it was actually George Harrison who wrote and produced it for him. Included with the lyrics is the original box set album of 'The Concert for Bangla Desh,' a VHS videocassette of the concert, a ticket stub from Madison Square Garden in NYC where the concert took place and a 45 rpm single of 'It Don't Come Easy.' Additionally, a CD featuring an alternate (and slightly longer) version of 'It Don't Come Easy' with George on lead vocals and guitars accompanies this lot.
12 x 8 inches
Please note this piece is somewhat worn-looking with fold marks, slight yellowing and tape residue, though the handwriting is not affected.
1971
A piece of lined notebook paper with handwritten lyrics to the song, 'It Don't Come Easy.' Neatly written for Ringo Starr by Mal Evans, the Beatles' roadie/equipment manager, so he could read the song while performing it at 'The Concert for Bangla Desh' on July 31, 1971, Ringo taped this actual sheet to his drumset while onstage. (The tape and its residue is still apparent halfway down the page.) Penned in blue ballpoint ink, the manuscript reads in full:
Don't Come Easy
Got to pay your dues if you want to 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
For get [sic] about the past and all your sorrow
The future won't last it will soon be our tomorrow
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
You know it just ain't easy
Open up your heart let's come together
Use a little love and we will make it work out better
Solo
Got to pay your dues if you want to 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 with in [sic] your reach if you're big enough
to take it.
Though Starr is credited with writing this song that broke into the Top 5 on Billboard, it was actually George Harrison who wrote and produced it for him. Included with the lyrics is the original box set album of 'The Concert for Bangla Desh,' a VHS videocassette of the concert, a ticket stub from Madison Square Garden in NYC where the concert took place and a 45 rpm single of 'It Don't Come Easy.' Additionally, a CD featuring an alternate (and slightly longer) version of 'It Don't Come Easy' with George on lead vocals and guitars accompanies this lot.
12 x 8 inches
Please note this piece is somewhat worn-looking with fold marks, slight yellowing and tape residue, though the handwriting is not affected.
Provenance
In 1972, the current owner won these lyrics in a radio contest sponsored by WNEW-FM in New York, and the original transmittal envelope postmarked 'Mar 20, '72' is included.
Sale room notice
Please note these lyrics were penned by Mal Evans, the Beatles' roadie/equipment manager, and NOT George Harrison. Evans often wrote out copies of lyrics for all of The Beatles during "the Beatle years" and he continued working for them individually after the breakup of the band.
Please note the new estimate is $1,000-$1,500.
Please note the new estimate is $1,000-$1,500.