Composed in collaboration with Carl Davis to commemorate the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's 150th anniversary, the project received media attention upon its unveiling in June 1991.

After his school days where he often "sagged off" (Liverpool slang for skipping class), Shanty begins working and meets his future bride, Mary Dee.

The American premiere took place on 18 November 1991, at Carnegie Hall and featured Carl Davis conducting the Liverpool Philharmonic and soloists Barbara Bonney, Sally Burgess, Jerry Hadley, and Willard White.

Allan Kozinn, reviewing the Liverpool premiere for the New York Times in June 1991,[7] described the work as "a richly melodic, lavishly orchestrated piece about the loss and reclamation of innocence, love and faith."

In particular, Kozinn noted "an exquisite soprano aria" and "a five-minute violin meditation that suggests Mr. McCartney could be a superb concerto composer."