The 83-year-old was stunned to discover that Prince had recorded a “rocky” version of the 1970 classic after “some guy” played it for him following the star’s death in 2016.
Now he’s determined for the world to hear it.
Speaking to Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2’s Tracks Of My Years, he said: “I’m going to ask them [Prince’s estate]. I could make it into something really good.”
Describing the track, he added: “It’s kind of rocky. He plays some really good guitar on it.”
McCartney said the man – who he believed was one of Prince’s photographers – asked him: “Have you heard Prince do Long and Winding Road?”
McCartney replied: “Well, no. That’s one of my songs. I don’t think he ever did it.”
He recalled: “So he sent it to me, and it’s really great.”
McCartney was promoting his new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which references an area near the River Mersey in Liverpool where he spent much of his childhood before global fame transformed his life.
The album is heavily rooted in memory and nostalgia.
He added: “Probably about half the album is nostalgic. I’m thinking of memories. I’m thinking of places that I remember. And I like that, because it takes me back then, and I’m sort of with those people again.
“I grew up in a very loving family in Liverpool. So I was very lucky to have these great uncles and aunties and cousins. And I thought everyone had that kind of family.
“So, you know, when I met John and I’m talking to him, his dad left home when he was three years old. And Ringo’s got the same kind of story.
“So I realised how lucky I was, you know, to have this great upbringing.”
Listen to Paul McCartney’s Tracks Of My Years on BBC Sounds.
The Boys of Dungeon Lane is out now on all major platforms.
