Paul McCartney's Songs About His Relationship with John Lennon
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Beatles' music is the underlying relationships and dynamics between the band members. Of particular interest is Paul McCartney's relationship with John Lennon, which inspired numerous songs throughout their careers. From early hits to later ones, McCartney has consistently referenced his bond with Lennon in various ways, each song providing insight into their complex friendship and partnership.
Early References to Love
Before delving into more profound and direct musical expressions, McCartney's songs often indirectly referenced his feelings towards Lennon. In Love Me Do (1962), a simple romantic song, McCartney's lyrics:
Love love me do
You know I love you
Ill always be true
So please love me do
indicate a deep and mutual love, laying the groundwork for their strong relationship. Recording 60 songs through mid-1965, McCartney continued to explore themes related to love and romance, paving the way for their extensive bond.
Direct Reflections in "Silly Love Songs"
John Lennon once complained about McCartney's plethora of love songs, prompting McCartney to write Silly Love Songs. This track, released in 1967, was McCartney's witty response to John's perceived criticism:
Silly love songs, baby, they're just not my scene
I'm looking for something more meaningful now
Making a bold statement, McCartney asserted his musical style, which was deeply personal yet also reflective of his feelings towards Lennon.
Here Today – A Post-Murder Eulogy
The poignant ballad of Here Today (1982) was McCartney's response to the brutal murder of John Lennon. Crafted by Paul as if it were a conversation between them, the song serves as a tribute to Lennon's life and contribution to music:
We left our mark, we were somewhere we are gone, baby
How does it feel, you're living a lie, perfect was the time we knew
Perfect was the time we knew
Those were the days, baby, haven't missed you much don't mention me
...
Something that I wouldn't have said face to face
Could I say Here Today, could I say Here Today
The song is more than just a love letter; it is a profound and emotional way for McCartney to acknowledge their past and mourn his friend.
Other References Throughout McCartney's Career
While love songs formed the bedrock of their relationship, McCartney also chose to critique and comment on Lennon's later tendencies. In Too Many People, McCartney subtly referenced Imagine, implying some of Lennon's teachings were overly didactic. Similarly, his song Too Damn Bad offered a critique of various elements in the Beatles' life, many of which could be read as critiques of the direction Lennon took:
Everything that Don had told me
Liverpudlian lyrics and basic nerves
Propaganda, a weapon, a war
Took our party down too far
Backed by millions, visual aids, symbols
Lastly, the song My Brave Face poignantly conveys McCartney's feelings about the whole ordeal, adding another layer of depth to their relationship:
You'll cry for me before it's over
To be slept on the sofa
Here's nothin' I can come back for
Another empty seat in the house
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Smart, invisible, blinded
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
You're only living half a life
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Wish you were here
Mccartney's later songs continue to offer insights into the changing dynamics of their relationship, making these compositions not just about love, but also about loss, friendship, and mutual respect.
Conclusion
From early romantic tracks to mature and poignant tributes, Paul McCartney's songs about his relationship with John Lennon provide a rich tapestry of their bond. Each song offers a unique perspective, reflecting the evolution and complexity of their relationship over the years, cementing their place in the annals of pop music history.