Released in 1969
Written by Mikis Theodorakis • William Sansom
Last updated on May 9, 2025
Album This song officially appears on the Post Card (UK version - Stereo) LP.
Timeline This song was officially released in 1969
Timeline This song was recorded in 1968
This song was recorded during the following studio sessions:
Early October 1968 to early December 1968
“The Honeymoon Song” is a romantic ballad written by Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis (who would later become renowned for iconic scores such as “Zorba the Greek“) and British writer William Sansom for the 1959 film “Honeymoon,” directed by Michael Powell.
In the early 1960s, “The Honeymoon Song” gained popularity outside the film context, especially through instrumental and vocal covers. One notable version was by Marino Marini and his Quartet, whose upbeat arrangement helped bring the tune to a broader European audience.
Paul McCartney was fond of the melody, and according to Mark Lewisohn in “The Complete Beatles Chronicle“, The Beatles performed “The Honeymoon Song” regularly between 1960 and 1962, with Paul on lead vocals. They also performed it on their BBC radio show “Pop Go The Beatles” in July 1963. In this stripped-down version, Paul handled the vocals and played the song in a light, breezy style. This performance was later released on the compilation “Live At The BBC” (1994).
Mary Hopkin covered the song in 1969. It was released on her album “Post Card” which was produced by Paul McCartney.
The Honeymoon Song was Marino Marini, an Italian and his backing group. They used to appear on telly and the greatest thing about them was they had a volume pedal! The Honeymoon Song wasn’t a big hit but I liked it, thought it was a nice tune. I was the force behind that, the others thought it was a real soppy idea, which I can see now!
Paul McCartney – From “The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions” by Mark Lewisohn, 1988
This was just nice to do because it’s so catchy. It’s a Greek composition by Mikis Theodroakis, and we tried fo make it bright and sunny.
Mary Hopkin – From New Musical Express, February 22, 1969
I never knew that a day like today lay before us
I've got the sun in my heart and my heart's in the sun
Skies are as bright as your eyes
The horizon is open
Love is the ceiling
Feelings are reeling
Free as the air
Forever on and forever
Forever on side by side
Who ever knew that we two could be free as we'd fancy?
Fancy is free
But are we who are bound to each other by love?
To each other by love
Who ever knew that we two could be free as we'd fancy?
Fancy is free
But are we who are bound to each other by love?
To each other by love
To each other by love
To each other by love
Post Card (UK version - Stereo)
LP • Released in 1969
2:07 • Studio version • A • Stereo
Paul McCartney : Producer Ken Scott : Engineering, Mixing engineer Mary Hopkin : Vocals
SessionRecording : Early October 1968 to early December 1968 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road ; Trident Studios ; Morgan Studios, London, UK
LP • Released in 1969
2:07 • Studio version • A1 • Mono
Paul McCartney : Producer Ken Scott : Engineering, Mixing engineer Mary Hopkin : Vocals
SessionRecording : Early October 1968 to early December 1968 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road ; Trident Studios ; Morgan Studios, London, UK
LP • Released in 1969
2:07 • Studio version • A • Stereo
Paul McCartney : Producer Ken Scott : Engineering, Mixing engineer Mary Hopkin : Vocals
SessionRecording : Early October 1968 to early December 1968 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road ; Trident Studios ; Morgan Studios, London, UK
Official live • Released in 1994
1:39 • Live • L1 • The theme tune from the film ‘Honeymoon’ written by Greek composer Theodorakis. A vocal version was released in June 1959 by Marino Marini and his Quartet.
Paul McCartney : Bass, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar Terry Henebery : Producer
Concert From "Pop Go The Beatles" in London, UK on Aug 06, 1963
Official album • Released in 2010
2:07 • Studio version • A2010 • Stereo • 2010 remaster
Paul McCartney : Producer Ken Scott : Engineering, Mixing engineer Mary Hopkin : Vocals Guy Massey : Remastering Steve Rooke : Remastering Alex Wharton : Remastering Allan Rouse : Project co-ordinator
SessionRecording : Early October 1968 to early December 1968 • Studio : EMI Studios, Abbey Road ; Trident Studios ; Morgan Studios, London, UK
Live At The BBC (2013 remaster)
Official live • Released in 2013
1:39 • Live • L1.2013 • 2013 remaster. The theme tune from the film ‘Honeymoon’ written by Greek composer Theodorakis. A vocal version was released in June 1959 by Marino Marini and his Quartet.
Paul McCartney : Bass, Vocals Ringo Starr : Drums John Lennon : Rhythm guitar George Harrison : Lead guitar Terry Henebery : Producer Guy Massey : Remastering Alex Wharton : Remastering
Concert From "Pop Go The Beatles" in London, UK on Aug 06, 1963
The Beatles At The Beeb - Volume 5
Live bootleg • Released in 2003
2:09 • Live
Concert From "Pop Go The Beatles" in London, UK on Aug 06, 1963
Live bootleg • Released in 2015
1:42 • Live
Concert From "Pop Go The Beatles" in London, UK on Aug 06, 1963
“The Honeymoon Song” has been played in 2 concerts.
Aug 06, 1963 • Part of BBC Sessions
Feb 02, 1962 • UK • Manchester • Oasis Club
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