The Authors Behind The Beatles' Musical Masterpieces

One of the most iconic bands in music history, The Beatles' songs are celebrated for their charm and timeless quality. But behind the scenes, the songwriting process was often collaborative, with varying contributions from band members such as John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Let's delve into the fascinating details of who wrote specific Beatles songs.

Who Wrote The Beatles Song 'Ticket to Ride'?

'Ticket to Ride,' one of The Beatles' most popular tracks, is mainly attributed to John Lennon. Interestingly, Paul McCartney's primary contribution was the drums played by Ringo Starr on the recording, according to John Lennon himself.

Key Contribution of Ringo Starr

John Lennon mentioned that the main contribution from Paul McCartney was the way Ringo Starr played the drums. This information can be found in David Sheff's book All We Are Saying. While Paul's impact on the song is undeniable, it's crucial to recognize the specific contributions made by each band member.

Discussing 'That Means a Lot'

The song 'That Means a Lot' shares similarities with 'Ticket to Ride,' both in the key they were composed and at around the same time. In interviews, John Lennon stated that he wrote 'mostly' 'That Means a Lot,' whereas Paul McCartney was more involved in 'That Means You.'

Collaborative Writing Sessions

Paul McCartney has stated in his biography by Barry Miles that he had significant involvement in the songwriting process. He noted that he and John Lennon often worked on the melody and harmonies together. While John Lennon might have initially taken more credit, it's important to understand that they wrote the song collaboratively over a three-hour session.

"We wrote the melody together, you can hear it on the record. John's taking the melody and I'm singing harmony with it. We'd often work those out as we wrote them. Because John sang it, you might have to give him 60 percent of it. It was pretty much a work job that turned out quite well..."

Understanding "I Want to Be Your Man"

'I Want to Be Your Man' is said to be primarily John Lennon's creation. However, Paul McCartney had a significant influence when he suggested Ringo Starr to play what he called the 'lopsided drums,' a defining characteristic of the song. This early single was notable for breaking the three-minute barrier for a single.

Notable Drumming Technique

Ringo Starr's innovative drumming style, influenced by Paul's suggestion, was a standout feature of the song. This not only highlighted Ringo's versatility as a drummer but also cemented his place as an integral member of the band.

Who Writes the Lyric?

In many cases, the band member who sings the song is often also the one who wrote it. However, in the specific case of 'I Want to Be Your Man,' it was primarily John. Despite this, the collaborative nature of their writing process is evident, with each band member contributing to the success of the song.

“We wrote the melody together, you can hear it on the record. John's taking the melody and I'm singing harmony with it. We'd often work those out as we wrote them.” - Paul McCartney

These collaborative writing sessions not only showcased the creative dynamics within the band but also produced the timeless songs that have captivated listeners for decades. The Beatles' music is a testament to their unique ability to work together and create something greater than the sum of its parts.