Conflicts and Creativity: Beatles Songwriting Feuds and Rejected Songs
Behind the success of The Beatles lies a complex web of songwriting and creative differences. The band members, particularly John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, had their fair share of conflicts over rejected songs and writing preferences. These conflicts often arose due to differing opinions on the direction of the band's music, leading to interesting stories behind some of the Beatles' most famous tracks.
John Lennon and the Rejected “What’s the News, Mary Jane”
One of the most overlooked tales from The Beatles era involves a song that John Lennon pushed hard for inclusion in their Anthology series: “What’s the News, Mary Jane.” When this track appeared on the collection in 1995, it was far from a hit—it struggled to find its place in the band’s discography. Why did Paul McCartney dislike this track so much?
Lennon, a notorious critic of McCartney’s songs, likely saw “What’s the News, Mary Jane” as a throwaway track. He justified his push to include it by saying it might have derailed their string of chart-topping hits. Lennon was right that the song lacked a strong melody or appealing hook, and it was clear he felt it would confuse fans who were used to the band’s polished sound.
George Harrison’s Unheard Contributions
While his contributions might not have been as frequently aired in the public domain, George Harrison’s songwriting often faced the brunt of criticism from Paul and John. Harrison’s reluctance to fully embrace pop stardom often led to conflicts with other band members, who were more interested in commercial success.
Despite Harrison’s talent and contributions, Paul and John often overlooked his songs. For instance, when Harrison penned “World Without Love,” it was rejected purely due to the lyric “Lock me away.” The band ultimately decided to give the song to Peter and Gordon, reaping the benefits of a number one hit under another label. This example highlights how Harrison’s unique voice and style clashed with the expectations of the band as a whole.
Another contentious song was George Harrison’s “Carnival of Light.” This track, intended for their Anthology series of the early 1990s, met similar resistance. Paul McCartney wanted to include it, but Harrison vetoed its inclusion. The song marked a departure from the band’s usual pop sound and instead leaned into experimental territory, which wasn’t the direction the other band members wanted to go in.
John Lennon’s Attitude Towards “One and One Is Two”
John Lennon’s critical eye was not limited to Harrison’s songs; even McCartney’s tracks faced scrutiny. An example of this was Paul McCartney’s 1970 song “One and One Is One.” Lennon detested this track, believing it lacked substance and failed to resonate with the band’s fanbase. This conflict showcases how personal tastes and the direction of the band’s music could cause friction among band members.
Similarly, when George Harrison wrote “Cold Turkey,” the original intention was to include it on a Beatles album. However, Paul McCartney had reservations about releasing it as a Beatles song, leading to delays and possibly a lost song in the Beatles’ catalog. This demonstrates how even within a band as talented as The Beatles, creative differences could have lasting impacts on their discography.
Conclusion
The Beatles’ story is not just about their immense successes; it is also a tale of personal and professional conflicts. These conflicts, though often overshadowed by the band’s creation of timeless music, offer fascinating insights into the human side of one of rock’s most legendary groups. Through these disputes, the band members pushed each other to be better, but sometimes, the process led to the exclusion of songs that might have been wonderful additions to their catalog.