Drum Sheet – Paul McCartney – I Don’t Know

“I Don’t Know” is a song by Paul McCartney released in 2018 as one half of a double A-side single (paired with “Come On to Me”) and included on his album Egypt Station. McCartney described it as a plaintive, soul-soothing ballad. He wrote it during a somewhat difficult personal period—nothing extremely dramatic, but ordinary feelings of doubt, mis-steps, asking “What am I doing wrong?”. He’s said that writing songs is kind of like therapy: putting feelings into music instead of just thinking them.

The recording stretched over several studios: Henson Studios in Los Angeles, Hog Hill Mill in Sussex, and Abbey Road in London. McCartney himself is credited with vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, piano, drums, and percussion among other instruments. The producer was Greg Kurstin alongside McCartney.

Since McCartney plays the drums himself on the recording, it gives unique insight into how he approaches rhythm—not just melody. The drumming is restrained, warm, and supportive. It doesn’t try to dominate or showcase flashy technique; instead, the drums provide emotional texture. The beat helps anchor the song’s mood of introspective doubt. It supports the lyrics without overwhelming them.

“I Don’t Know” is a great study in how drums can carry weight not by being loud or complex, but by being perfectly fitted to the song’s emotional arc. It’s a reminder that the drummer’s job sometimes is to hold the emotional space: let the melody breathe, let the lyrics carry the vulnerability, while giving them a steady foundation. For drummers who admire subtlety, McCartney’s playing on this track offers a lot to dig into.