Released in 1980 as the lead single from McCartney II, “Coming Up” stands as one of Paul McCartney’s boldest departures — a quirky, joyous, and surprisingly subversive reinvention at a time when both critics and fans wondered what direction his post-Beatles career might take. Far from a nostalgic or polite pop tune, “Coming Up” is an experiment bursting with optimism, eccentricity, and the unmistakable spirit of an artist refusing to grow predictable.
Musically, the track is built on an energetic, looping groove that blends new-wave brightness with McCartney’s instinctive melodic touch. The song is driven by a buoyant bassline, punchy drums, crisp guitars, and a ribbon of bright synthesizers — all played by Paul himself. This one-man-band approach gave the song a homemade freedom; it feels loose, joyful, and unhindered by commercial expectations. Recorded at home in Scotland, the track embodies the DIY energy that would later define indie pop.
Paul’s vocal experimentation is another defining feature. He sings with a tightened, sped-up tone — a playful, almost cartoonish sound that unsettled some listeners at the time but ultimately underscored his willingness to defy expectations. Instead of chasing the rock authority of “Band on the Run” or the ballad purity of “My Love,” McCartney chooses reinvention. His voice becomes another instrument in the arrangement, adding rhythmic bounce and infectious personality.
Lyrically, “Coming Up” is deceptively simple — a burst of encouragement, renewal, and forward motion.
Lines like:
“You want a better future… come on, let’s get to it”
express Paul’s enduring faith in possibility. The song feels like a pep talk to both himself and the audience, urging everyone to shake off stagnation and embrace creative change. The theme of self-renewal resonates even more strongly when viewed in context: by 1980, the Beatles had been gone for a decade, Wings was winding down, and Paul was redefining his musical identity. “Coming Up” captures the sound of that transition — playful, brave, and full of energy.
The live version from Glasgow, famously adored by John Lennon, adds another layer to the song’s legacy. Lennon praised it for its vitality, saying it inspired him to return to the studio. In that sense, “Coming Up” indirectly sparked part of Lennon’s late-career renaissance — a testament to the creative electricity Paul could still generate.
A key emotional moment arrives in the repeated refrain:
💬 “Coming up — like a flower.”
The imagery is pure McCartney: natural, optimistic, humble. It suggests growth not through force, but through openness — blooming rather than breaking. It’s a reminder that reinvention can be gentle and joyful, not chaotic.
The music video, featuring ten different McCartneys playing as a bizarre, fictional band, amplified the song’s humor and surreal charm. Paul portrays each character with affectionate parody, subtly poking fun at the expectations placed on musicians while celebrating the absurdity of pop performance.
Over time, “Coming Up” has become recognized not merely as a quirky hit but as a crucial milestone in McCartney’s artistic evolution. It represents freedom — the freedom to play, to experiment, to be strange, to be joyful, and to move forward without apology.
Ultimately, “Coming Up” is Paul McCartney’s declaration that creativity doesn’t age
— it evolves.
A burst of color, confidence, and renewal
from an artist still discovering new ways to surprise himself
and the world.