How to Identify a Beatles Song Written by Paul McCartney or John Lennon
Identifying whether a Beatles song was written by Paul McCartney or John Lennon can sometimes be a challenge, given their collaborative nature and the overlapping musical styles. However, there are several telltale signs that can help you make an educated guess. Here are key factors to consider.
Songwriting Credits
One of the most obvious ways to determine the author of a Beatles song is by looking at the credits. While many songs are credited together as a partnership between Paul and John, some songs are clearly given to one songwriter individually, providing a clearer indication of the author.
Lyrics and Themes
John Lennon
John's songs often delved into introspective themes with a touch of social commentary and existentialism. He wrote critically about the state of the world, the human condition, and his personal struggles. Examples include songs like Imagine and Working Class Hero .
Paul McCartney
Paul's songwriting typically focused on more melodic themes and love relationships. He often incorporated whimsical and uplifting lyrics that celebrated the simple joys of life. Songs like Yesterday and Let It Be are hallmark examples of his style.
Musical Style
John Lennon
John's compositions often included avant-garde and experimental elements. His music had a raw and emotional edge, sometimes featuring unconventional instruments or unconventional arrangements. Examples include Eleanor Rigby and Strawberry Fields Forever .
Paul McCartney
Paul's music was more polished and intricate, featuring elaborate harmonies and a more refined sound. His style was characterized by more traditional pop structures and a focus on melody and hook-driven songs. Tracks like Something and Hey Jude showcase his polished touch.
Vocal Style
The lead vocals can be another indicator of who wrote a song. John had a distinctive rough and edgy voice that often paired well with his more emotional and introspective lyrics. Paul, on the other hand, had a smoother and more melodic voice that was better suited for love songs and more optimistic tunes. Tracks like Come Together and Yesterday demonstrate these voice differences.
Historical Context
Understanding the timeline of their songwriting process can also help. Early Beatles songs often showcased both members' styles, but as the band evolved, their individual influences became more pronounced. For instance, early hits like I Want to Hold Your Hand were collaborative efforts, while later classics like Let It Be were more distinctly Paul's work.
Interviews and Commentary
Both John and Paul have discussed their songwriting processes in various interviews, providing insights into which songs they felt more personally connected to. In one notable incident, the Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album was initially credited to the band as a whole, but later clarified to be primarily John's work.
Examples
John Lennon
Imagine Working Class Hero Eleanor Rigby Strawberry Fields ForeverPaul McCartney
Yesterday The Long and Winding Road Something Hey JudeConclusion
By considering these factors, you can often make an educated guess about whether a Beatles song was primarily written by Paul or John. However, it's important to remember that many songs were collaborative efforts and that the division between them was sometimes blurry. For instance, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was initially thought to be written by John, but later clarified as collaboration. Similarly, tracks like Rocky Raccoon are more distinctly Paul's work, showing a departure from John's more introspective style.