According to Beatles historian Kenneth Womack, McCartney drew his inspiration for the song from Robert Service’s poem The Shooting of Dan McGrew. The Old West-style honky-tonk piano was played by George Martin. “Rocky Raccoon” is also the last Beatles song to feature John Lennon’s harmonica playing.
The lyrics describe a conflict over a love triangle, in which Rocky’s girlfriend Lil Magill (known to the public as Nancy) leaves him for a man named Dan, who punches Rocky in the eye. Rocky vows revenge.
Ringo’s accentuated snare drum after the line “He drew first and shot” (mimicking the sound of a gun) is an example of word painting.
Paul began writing the song in Rishikesh, India, where the Beatles were studying Transcendental Meditation in the early months of 1968. John Lennon and Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan, who joined the Beatles on their retreat, also made contributions to the song
