In this engaging discussion, Paul McCartney, an iconic musician and Beatles legend, reflects on his deep musical influences, including the surprising inspiration from his parents' generation. He shares the emotional journey behind writing the beloved classic 'Here, There and Everywhere,' exploring themes of love and creativity. McCartney delves into innovative songwriting techniques, revealing how he connects circular narratives with personal anecdotes. Listen in as he honors the legacy of musical icons like Fred Astaire and discusses profound themes that resonate through his work.
Paul McCartney's songwriting process is spontaneous and exploratory, allowing lyrics to evolve naturally like a trail of breadcrumbs.
The song 'Here, There and Everywhere' masterfully combines intricate melodies with universal themes of love and longing, marking its musical significance.
Deep dives
The Structure of 'Here, There and Everywhere'
The song 'Here, There and Everywhere' is praised for its lyrical structure, which seamlessly connects verses while changing context. Paul McCartney draws inspiration from classic songs like Irving Berlin's 'Cheek to Cheek,' highlighting how a song can create a circular narrative that surprises the listener. This technique creates a magical moment where the song appears to return to its beginning, but with a fresh perspective, suggesting that both the journey and the destination have evolved. McCartney describes this artistry as not merely going in circles, but as arriving at a new point on the same path, enriching the listener's experience.
The Creative Process Behind Songwriting
Paul McCartney reflects on his songwriting process, emphasizing a sense of spontaneity and discovery as he crafts lyrics. He likens songwriting to following a trail of breadcrumbs, where he explores ideas as they emerge rather than plotting everything in advance. He mentions how the experience can feel liberating, akin to playing with words and allowing them to evolve naturally. This organic approach not only fuels creativity but also leads to unexpected lyrical twists that keep both the writer and the audience engaged.
Influence and Legacy of the Song
The track 'Here, There and Everywhere' has become a classic, influencing many other artists and even receiving praise from John Lennon, who labeled it his favorite on the 'Revolver' album. McCartney's ability to marry effortless lyrics with intricate melodies showcases his talent and has solidified the song's place in music history. He describes the song's themes of love and longing, which resonate universally, capturing moments that feel both intimate and expansive. The admiration for this composition reflects its enduring impact, demonstrating McCartney's mastery in the art of songwriting.
The breadth of Paul McCartney’s influences is astounding. One of the many surprising places McCartney found inspiration was in the music of his parent’s generation. For 1966's “Here, There and Everywhere”, he found himself looking to write something akin to Fred Astaire’s 1935 classic “Cheek to Cheek.” In the process, McCartney wrote what might be his favorite song in his catalog.
“McCartney: A Life in Lyrics” is a co-production between iHeart Media, MPL and Pushkin Industries.
The series was produced by Pejk Malinovski and Sara McCrea; written by Sara McCrea; edited by Dan O’Donnell and Sophie Crane; mastered by Jason Gambrell with assistance from Jake Gorski and sound design by Pejk Malinovski. The series is executive produced by Leital Molad, Justin Richmond, Lee Eastman, Scott Rodger and Paul McCartney.
Thanks to Lee Eastman, Richard Ewbank, Scott Rodger, Aoife Corbett and Steve Ithell.