Timeline Albums, EPs & singles Songs Films Concerts Sessions People Interviews Articles

Released in 2015

It's Not On

Written by Paul McCartney

Last updated on December 25, 2019


Album This song officially appears on the Pipes Of Peace - Archive Collection Official album.

Timeline This song was officially released in 2015

Timeline This song was written, or began to be written, in 1983, when Paul McCartney was 41 years old)

Related sessions

This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:

It’s Not On” is a demo recorded in 1982, and made available on the 2015 reissue of “Pipes Of Peace“.

The lyrics suggest a relationship with “Average Person“, another song from “Pipes Of Peace“; and one can imagine that Paul tried to expand the theme of “Average Person” even further on the album.

Arnie Pupe
is normal type
with an average job
But his prospects will never be great
While bosses underestimate his value

It’s Not On Lyrics

Look at the average person
Speak to the man in the street
Can you imagine the first one you’d meet?

Well, I’m talking to a former engine driver
Trying to find out what he used to do
Tells me that he always kept his engine 
Spit and polished up as good as new

Average Person lyrics

Lyrics

Take your hand off my knee, young man.

Said the lady in green

I don't care to come in between you and your young woman

It's just not done


Couldn't we pass up?

Couldn't we fold?

Aren't certain stories best left untold?

Some things like buttons are best left undone

It's not on


Arnie Pupe

is normal type

with an average job

But his prospects will never be great

While bosses underestimate his value

Annie says


Irene E is his fiancee

And she'd hate to disagree

But the company she thinks is fair

Annie never does get anywhere


Take your feet off my desk, young man

Said the chauffeur in gray

My green woman has been to seen me

She's retreating from your advance


Wouldn't you join us?

When can you start up as a driver looking the part?

Hang on says Arnie

This just isn't done

It's not on, It's not on, It's not on

Hang on says Arnie

This just isn't done


Couldn't we pass up?

Couldn't we fold?

Aren't certain stories best left untold?

Some things like buttons are best left undone

It's not on, It's not on, It's not on

Some things like buttons are best left undone


It's not on

Officially appears on

Bootlegs

Live performances

Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.

Paul McCartney writing

Talk more talk, chat more chat

Notice any inaccuracies on this page? Have additional insights or ideas for new content? Or just want to share your thoughts? We value your feedback! Please use the form below to get in touch with us.

Ben Smeenk • 3 years ago

Recording date and mixing date mixed up (Its Not On 1985-02-02 Recording. Mixing 1985-02-25)


Rafael Rosales Contreras • 6 months ago

Eres genial Paul


Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2024 • Please note this site is strictly non-commercial. All pictures, videos & quoted texts remain the property of the respective copyright owner, and no implication of ownership by us is intended or should be inferred. Any copyright owner who wants something removed should contact us and we will do so immediately. Alternatively, we would be delighted to provide credits.