The song is one of several instances of "musical sniping" among the four Beatles after the band broke up, the target in this case presumed to be McCartney's former bandmate and songwriting partner John Lennon. "[John had] been doing a lot of preaching, and it got up my nose a little bit," said McCartney in a 1984 interview with Playboy. "I wrote, 'Too many people preaching practices,' I think is the line. I mean, that was a little dig at John and Yoko...there was 'You took your lucky break and broke it in two.'
Other songs in this mold include McCartney's "3 Legs", George Harrison's "Wah-Wah", and Lennon's "How Do You Sleep?", the latter being an explicit response to "Too Many People."
McCartney sings falsetto during part of the bridges. Hugh McCracken's guitar solo between the second bridge and third chorus is played in one piece. The second solo after the final bridge is accompanied by a drum stick on the side of a floor tom.
Too Many People
Paul & Linda McCartney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many reaching for a piece of cake
Too many people pulled and pushed around
Too many waiting for that lucky break
That was your first mistake
You took your lucky break and broke it in two
Now what can be done for you?
Too many people sharing party lines
Too many people never sleeping late
Too many people paying parking fines
Too many hungry people losing weight
That was your first mistake
You took your lucky break and broke it in two
Now what can be done for you?
You broke it in two
Too many people preaching practices
Don't let them tell you what you wanna be
Too many people holding back
This is crazy and baby, it's not like me
That was your last mistake
I find my love awake and waiting to be
Now what can be done for you?
She's waiting for me
The lyrics of Paul & Linda McCartney's song "Too Many People" describe the overwhelming amount of people in society who are all trying to achieve their own individual goals. The song suggests that this abundance of people and individual desires has caused a breakdown in community and a lack of consideration for others. The chorus highlights this idea, stating that too many people have broken their “lucky break” – a metaphor for people ruining opportunities – and as a result, they are stuck in unfortunate situations.
The verse, “Too many people sharing party lines, Too many people never sleeping late”, alludes to the fast-paced nature of society and how people attempt to stay on top of their game by continuously working and competing with others. The phrase “reaching for a piece of cake” also emphasizes this competitive nature and would suggest that some are taking more than their fair share.
The lyric, “Don't let them tell you what you wanna be” details the idea of outside opinions influencing people’s personal aspirations, suggesting that people should not let others dictate their futures. This line also references the song’s broader theme of individuals attempting to achieve success in a world so full of competing desires.
Overall, "Too Many People" by Paul & Linda McCartney, encourages people to slow down and consider their impact on the world and acknowledge the importance of community and collaboration.
Line by Line Meaning
Too many people going underground
There are too many people who are hiding or avoiding their problems.
Too many reaching for a piece of cake
There are too many people who are selfishly trying to grab what they want, without considering others.
Too many people pulled and pushed around
There are too many people who are being manipulated or controlled by others.
Too many waiting for that lucky break
There are too many people who are relying on chance or luck to solve their problems instead of taking action.
That was your first mistake
By relying on luck, you made a mistake and now you're facing the consequences.
You took your lucky break and broke it in two
You had a chance to improve your situation, but you ruined it or wasted it.
Now what can be done for you?
You have to take responsibility for your actions and find a solution yourself.
Too many people sharing party lines
There are too many people who are following or copying what others are doing, instead of being original or independent.
Too many people never sleeping late
There are too many people who are working too hard and not taking time to rest or relax.
Too many people paying parking fines
There are too many people who are breaking rules or laws and facing consequences for their actions.
Too many hungry people losing weight
There are too many people who are struggling to fulfill basic needs like food, and suffering as a result.
That was your first mistake
Repeating the same mistakes and not learning from them is a mistake in itself.
You took your lucky break and broke it in two
You had a chance to improve your situation, but you ruined it or wasted it.
Now what can be done for you?
You have to take responsibility for your actions and find a solution yourself.
Too many people preaching practices
There are too many people who are sharing advice or beliefs they don't follow themselves.
Don't let them tell you what you wanna be
You should decide what you want to do or be, instead of letting others dictate your choices.
Too many people holding back
There are too many people who are not being true to themselves or pursuing their dreams.
This is crazy and baby, it's not like me
The situation is frustrating and unusual, and doesn't match my usual behavior or personality.
That was your last mistake
By not being true to yourself, you made your biggest mistake.
I find my love awake and waiting to be
I have found someone who is ready to support me and be with me through tough times.
Now what can be done for you?
You have to find your own way and make changes in your life.
She's waiting for me
I have found someone who I want to be with, and who will help me overcome my challenges.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind