Carl Lee Perkins (April 9, 1932 – January 19, 1998) was an American singer-songwriter who recorded most notably at the Sun Studio, in Memphis, beginning in 1954. Amongst his best-known songs are 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Matchbox' and 'Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby'.
In 1981, Paul and wife Linda invited Carl to stay with them in Montserrat. Paul wanted Carl's help recording a song called Get It for his new album, Tug of War. Carl spent eight days with them, and the remaining ex-Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr had been there to help out as well. It was a great time between old friends who had shared such a legendary musical past.
The night before he left, a song came to Carl that summed up his warm feelings about the visit, and he couldn't get it out of his mind. It was so strong that Carl didn't even write it down, which he said was strange for him. He usually always wrote his songs down immediately.
In the morning, Carl Perkins sang the song, which he named My Old Friend, for Linda and Paul, saying it was his gift for having him as a guest. Half way through the song, after singing \"if we never meet again this side of life, in a little while, over yonder, where there's peace and quiet, my old friend, won't you think about me every now and then?\" tears streamed down Paul's face and he stood up and stepped outside.
Not knowing what the matter was, Carl stopped, a bit shaken. Didn't Paul like the song? Linda warmly put her arms around Carl, and thanked him. She said the song was getting Paul to finally connect with his grief over John Lennon's death.
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My Old Friend Carl Perkins & Paul McCartney
A Amaj7
On the Isle of Montserrat, Though I never shall forget
Bm7 E
Just a country boy, a guitar and a song
A Amaj7
_You invi_ted ^me in, And you treated me like king
Bm7 E
And you've given me a reason to go on
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A Amaj7 A D A Bm7 E
^My ^old _friend, _Tha_nks for inviting me in
A Amaj7 A D Bm E
^My old friend, May this goodbye ^never mean the end
A A7
If we ^never meet again this side of life,
D Dm
In a little while, over yonder,
Adim (5.B)
Where it's peace and quiet
A Amaj7 A
My old fri~end,
D E A Amaj7 F#m A
_Won't you ^think about me every now and then
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If I [A]told you how I feel,
Oh, it [Amaj7] wouldn't sound so real
'Cause e[Bm7] motions, they are just now settin' [E] in
But it [A]sure is great to know,
That wher[Amaj7]ever we may go
[Bm7] We can always be the best of [E]friends
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A Amaj7 A D A Bm7 E
My old friend, Tha_nks for inviting me in
A Amaj7 A D Bm E
My old friend, May this goodbye never mean the end
A A7
If we never meet again this side of life,
D Dm
In a little while, over yonder,
Adim (5.B)
Where it's peace and quiet
A Amaj7 A
My old friend,
D E A Amaj7 A A
Won't you think about me every now and then
And I'll [D]think about you [A]my ! [E]old ! [A]friend
A / Amaj7 / F#m / A / D E A
Yeah...My old friend
