
McCartney: A Life in Lyrics
McCartney: A Life in Lyrics offers listeners the opportunity to sit in on conversations between Paul McCartney and poet Paul Muldoon dissecting the people, experiences, and art that inspired McCartney’s songwriting. These conversations were held during the past several years as the two collaborated on the award winning book, “The Lyrics: 1965 to Present.” Over two seasons and 24 episodes of “McCartney: A Life in Lyrics”, you’ll hear a combination master class, memoir, and improvised journey with one of the most beloved figures in popular music. Each episode focuses on one song from McCartney’s iconic catalog – spanning early Beatles through his solo work. Season 2 premieres on February 7th.
“McCartney: A Life in Lyrics” is a co-production between iHeart Media, MPL and Pushkin Industries.
Cover Portrait © 1967 Paul McCartney / Photographer: Linda McCartney
Latest episodes

5 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 29min
The End
Paul McCartney, a legendary musician and member of The Beatles, reflects on the creative genius behind the iconic Abbey Road medley: 'Golden Slumbers', 'Carry That Weight', and 'The End.' He shares insights into his songwriting process, inspired by literature and personal experiences. McCartney discusses the emotional depths of melody and memory, the Beatles' turbulent final years, and their struggles with identity. He also touches on Catholic guilt and the transformative role of psychedelics in shaping their music.

Apr 10, 2024 • 26min
Michelle
Discover the compelling journey behind the iconic song 'Michelle.' Learn how McCartney transformed a light-hearted tune into a genuine masterpiece, drawing inspiration from French music and Motown's rhythms. Explore the challenges of overcoming language barriers in songwriting and the collaborative spirit that fueled its creation. With personal anecdotes and nostalgic reflections, the episode dives deep into the evolution of musical identity, showcasing how simple moments can lead to artistic innovation.

Apr 3, 2024 • 21min
Give Ireland Back to the Irish
Paul McCartney, an influential musician and former Beatle, delves into the deep emotional resonance of his song "Give Ireland Back to the Irish." Inspired by the tragic events of Bloody Sunday, he shares how this political turmoil influenced his artistry. Despite facing significant backlash, McCartney remained committed to amplifying voices of injustice. He reflects on the challenges of transforming outrage into music, showcasing how art can foster empathy and provoke thought in times of conflict.

Mar 27, 2024 • 19min
Here, There and Everywhere
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.

Mar 20, 2024 • 20min
Hey Jude
The podcast explores the origins and evolution of Paul McCartney's iconic song 'Hey Jude', revealing its inspiration in comforting John Lennon's son during his parents' divorce. It discusses the themes of hope and authenticity in music, along with intriguing insights into the emotional depth behind the creation of the song.

Mar 13, 2024 • 27min
A Day in the Life
Discover the collaborative songwriting process between McCartney and Lennon, focusing on the creation of 'A Day in the Life'. The episode explores how a news story inspired a popular Beatles song and delves into the creative origins of 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album with Malcolm Gladwell.

18 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 31min
Silly Love Songs
In this podcast, Paul McCartney discusses his evolution as a songwriter of love songs, including his hit 'Silly Love Songs' and other classics like 'Can’t Buy Me Love' and 'I Will'. He also reflects on writing a song for his wife Nancy and the significance of love in his music career.

Feb 28, 2024 • 23min
Picasso’s Last Words (Drink to Me)
Exploring how Pablo Picasso's last words inspired Paul McCartney to create a song on the spot, revealing the creative process and artistic inspiration. Delving into the significance of crafting lyrics and musical composition, as well as interpreting poetry for melodic inspiration. Uncovering the artistic transformation of turning simple statements into abstract songs, and exploring Paul McCartney's rejection of aristocratic lifestyle. Finally, examining musical cubism and love in Paul McCartney's lyrics.

19 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 30min
Yesterday
The podcast explores the journey of Paul McCartney's iconic song 'Yesterday,' from dream to timeless classic. It delves into emotional depth, creative inspiration in music creation, and the transformative impact of incorporating a string quartet. McCartney's personal reflections, loss, and nostalgia shed light on the poignant creation of this enduring classic.

Feb 14, 2024 • 20min
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer
The podcast explores the inspiration behind Paul McCartney's song 'Maxwell’s Silver Hammer' and his unique approach to storytelling. It delves into the dark themes of the song, the technological innovations used during recording, and the shift from a romantic narrative to a darker story of a medical student turned serial murderer.
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