In the past, Paul McCartney had attributed a song to a disagreement he had with Linda, suggesting it was an anthem of racial harmony.
From 1969 to 1998, Paul and Linda McCartney shared a marriage that served as a significant source of inspiration for the former Beatles member throughout his musical career. Even during their challenging moments, this relationship influenced him. On one occasion, he revealed that a marital disagreement had sparked the creation of a song on his third solo studio album, "Tug of War" (1982).
In an interview with Record Collector (via Showbiz Cheat Sheet), Paul McCartney reminisced about how a conflict with Linda had been the catalyst for his collaboration with Stevie Wonder on the song "Ebony and Ivory," which became the lead single from "Tug of War."
"Music has always provided solace for me. When I was a young boy, I would often venture into the swamp with my guitar due to the excellent acoustics, where I would compose songs as a means to regain control when I felt down," he explained. "During teenage sadness, the best remedy was to craft a song."
This creative process had always served as his therapy, as he continued, "I've consistently turned to songwriting for solace. It's incredibly therapeutic. I penned 'Ebony and Ivory' following a minor disagreement with Linda. It was as if we turned our discord into music, a reminder that even if we couldn't reconcile our differences, our piano keys certainly could. You take any simple concept and let it lead you forward."
Paul McCartney's Evolving Interpretation of "Ebony and Ivory"
Upon the initial release of "Ebony and Ivory," Paul McCartney had characterized the song as an ode to racial harmony. In a video, he elucidated that the title symbolized the piano keys, emphasizing the interdependence of black and white keys.
"On a piano, you have black keys and white keys. Having only black keys or white keys alone serves no purpose. You require both to achieve harmony. When you put them together on a keyboard, they create a perfect combination. My music conveys the idea that we should approach life in a similar manner," he articulated.
