On this day in 1968, The Beatles began recording “Happiness Is a Warm Gun”

The title of the song referred to an article in an issue of American Rifleman, the magazine of the National Rifle Association (NRA) that had been brought to the studio by George Martin. The phrase “Happiness Is a Warm Gun” immediately piqued John Lennon’s interest who later said he “just thought it was a fantastic, insane thing to say”.

The band gathered at EMI Studios in London on the 23rd of September to begin recording the song. Though tensions were high between the band members at this point, they collaborated closely to figure out the complex rhythmic elements. Much of this first session was spent figuring out the individual sections, with over 45 takes recorded. The following day another 25 attempts were recorded, resulting in a usable backing track.

Releasing as part of The Beatles album in November, the song immediately found success amongst critics who frequently called it their favourite song on the album. All four members of the band later agreed, identifying it as their favourite as well.