Seeking to capitalize on the momentum of Mary Hopkin’s 1968 debut “Those Were the Days” and her subsequent album Post Card, Paul McCartney composed “Goodbye” specifically for her next release. To facilitate the process, McCartney taped a solo demo at his Cavendish Avenue home in early February 1969—a recording that eventually resurfaced on the 50th-anniversary edition of Abbey Road. This demo served as a guide for both Hopkin and arranger Richard Hewson, who shifted the track from C major to E major to better suit Hopkin’s vocal range.

The official production, helmed by McCartney, took place on March 1 and 2, 1969, at London’s Morgan Studios. The arrangement was a collaborative effort: Hopkin handled the lead vocals and acoustic guitar, while McCartney multi-tracked bass, drums, ukulele, and even thigh-slapping percussion. Hewson added the finishing touches with orchestrated strings and horns. Released on March 28, 1969, as Apple Records‘ first official double-A-side (paired with “Sparrow”) and featuring a custom picture sleeve, the single climbed to No. 2 on the UK charts, famously held off the top spot only by The Beatles’ own “Get Back.”

The recording session was immortalized in a promotional film by Tony Bramwell, capturing Hopkin miming in the studio alongside candid footage of her and McCartney reviewing the playback. Despite its massive success, the song was notably absent from the original The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away compilations. Decades later, in April 2014, “Goodbye” finally made its digital debut via Mary Hopkin Music.