Live and Let Die

The harmony of 'Live and Let Die' is defined by its dramatic contrasts rather than chord complexity. The parallel major-to-minor shift at the chorus is the song's most distinctive device, transforming an intimate ballad into an orchestral assault. George Martin's arrangement amplifies these harmonic shifts with full orchestra, creating a through-composed structure unusual for a pop single. The reggae interlude adds yet another harmonic color, making this one of the most structurally adventurous Bond themes ever recorded.

Before screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz had even finished the screenplay, Bond producers Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli invited Paul McCartney to write the theme. McCartney asked for a copy of Ian Fleming's novel, read it, and wrote the song that same afternoon. He later described it as 'a job of work' since writing around a pre-set title was not the easiest task.

Written by Paul and Linda McCartney for the 1973 James Bond film, 'Live and Let Die' reunited McCartney with former Beatles producer George Martin. The first rock song to open a Bond film, it broke new ground by blending a delicate piano ballad with thunderous orchestral passages and a reggae interlude, becoming the most successful Bond theme of its era.