<P> The song was recorded without George Harrison ( who was on holiday ) and Ringo Starr ( who was filming The Magic Christian ) . In Barry Miles ' biography , McCartney recalls that Lennon had a sudden inspiration for the song and had suggested that the two of them should record it immediately , without waiting for the other Beatles to return . Reflecting this somewhat unusual situation , the session recordings include the following exchange : </P>
<P> The song was recorded without George Harrison ( who was on holiday ) and Ringo Starr ( who was filming The Magic Christian ) . In Barry Miles ' biography , McCartney recalls that Lennon had a sudden inspiration for the song and had suggested that the two of them should record it immediately , without waiting for the other Beatles to return . Reflecting this somewhat unusual situation , the session recordings include the following exchange : </P>
who played on the ballad of john and yoko
who played on the ballad of john and yoko
McCartney Lennon
McCartney Lennon