Dig it is a fragment of a longer jam that the Beatles worked on during the Let It Be sessions (later featured in the Get Back documentary). They run through it a few times, and the various jams were extended to up to 15 minutes, so it seems as if maybe it was considered as something worth developing further for the project.
The Beatles BibleThe Beatles’ second all-group composition, after Magical Mystery Tour’s ‘Flying’, ‘Dig It’ was improvised during studio jams in January 1969.
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WikipediaIn the context of the documentary it comes at an interesting point. The Beatles had had a fairly torrid time over the preceding weeks, beginning the project at Shepperton Studios, a huge, bare and cold room that was not conducive to creativity. Lennon had been very distant and disengaged, and seemed completely stoned at times. Watching the footage there is a building tension which finally explodes when George Harrison decides to quit the band.
Lennon immediately and cruelly responds – “Let’s get in Eric [Clapton].” Appalling.
It is quite troubling to see the response of the other band members – a kind of chaotic out of control jam session heavily featuring Yoko Ono who, to my eye, looks triumphant at the turn of events.
In the days that follow there is a very British passive-aggressive family breakdown vibe. McCartney seems deeply troubled by Lennon’s apparent disintegration. Eventually the Beatles persuade George to return to the project, but in a more comfortable environment which they could control – the Apple Studios in Savile Row.
After a few days Billy Preston joins the sessions (invited by Harrison) and the addition of an enthusiastic outsider seems to bring out the best in the Beatles, lifting their spirits.
Preston was a brilliant keyboard player whose sound perfectly complemented the Beatles, adding another dimension whenever he played with them. It is noticeable in the documentary that at this stage Lennon becomes more and more involved in the process, and the mood lightens further a few days later when Paul’s girlfriend Linda visits the studio with her daughter Heather.
In the documentary Heather’s presence is another factor in puncturing the tension, and the cloud hanging over the proceedings finally seems to disperse. This coincides with the first attempts at the Dig It jam – a section of which is included on the official Let It Be album. I think it is the sound of the Beatles working on reconciliation, involving George and encouraging Lennon to participate more fully.
The track is unusual in that it is credited to all four Beatles (although not Preston, whose organ part seems pretty central).