What Beatles Songs Did Paul McCartney Write?
Paul McCartney, as a member of The Beatles, is renowned for his songwriting contributions. In the group, the songs are often jointly attributed to Lennon-McCartney, even when only one musician sings the lead vocal. Nonetheless, the division of work within the group was both collaborative and individual. This article delves into the songs primarily written by Paul McCartney, highlighting his melodic talent and prolific output.
Paul McCartney's Solo Compositions
McCartney wrote many of the group's hit songs on his own, showcasing his versatility. Some of these notable songs include Blackbird, Fool in the Hill, Eleanor Rigby, and When I'm 64. While the McCartney name is less commonly associated with the songwriting credits, his songs are celebrated for their profound depth and emotional depth.
John Lennon often served as a sounding board for McCartney's ideas. For instance, when McCartney was writing Hey Jude, he initially felt the lyrics were not quite right. After sharing the concept with Lennon, Lennon's feedback improved the song, leading to the famous line, "the movement you need is on your shoulder."
Collaborations with John Lennon
While McCartney wrote many songs independently, he also collaborated with John Lennon on numerous hit tracks. Some of the well-known collaborations include:
Yesterday - This iconic song is a standout example of their collaborative efforts, featuring complex chord progressions and harmonies. Let It Be - Another song reflecting their camaraderie, with an intricate bridge that showcases McCartney's and Lennon's musical chemistry.These collaborations were integral to The Beatles' sound, blending McCartney's harmonies and melodic arrangements with Lennon's diverse musical influences.
Technical Aspects of Production
It's important to note that collaboration between the members of The Beatles extended beyond composition. Lennon would often contribute to the arrangement of songs. For example, the suggestion and arrangement of strings for Eleanor Rigby was made by George Martin, the band's producer. This demonstrates the intricate process involved in creating their albums.
Additionally, the final arrangement and production of the songs, including the roles of George Harrison and Ringo Starr, was a collaborative effort, ensuring that the album's sound was cohesive and of high quality.
Recognition and Credit
On CDs or vinyl, most of the Beatles songs are credited to John Lennon and Paul McCartney, regardless of who wrote them. Both Lennon and McCartney shared the royalties equally, irrespective of the actual contribution level. George Harrison and Ringo Starr, while less prolific songwriters, still contributed to the songwriting process, with Ringo also acting as the fourth member in live performances and recording sessions.
McCartney's solo work in particular stands at 71 songs, with a significant percentage co-written with Lennon. Even these songs, including the ones credited solely to McCartney, are presented under the Lennon-McCartney partnership on official credits.
Overall, Paul McCartney's songwriting contributions to The Beatles highlight his versatility and melodic talent that were an integral part of the group's rich catalog. His work continues to inspire and resonate with music lovers around the world.