John Lennon’s Favorite Paul McCartney-Penned Beatles Songs
The creative partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney gave birth to some of the most iconic songs in music history. While their collaborative spirit often took center stage, both Lennon and McCartney had distinct styles, occasionally expressing admiration for each other’s work.
In his final major interview with David Sheff for Playboy in 1980, Lennon candidly shared his thoughts on several Beatles tracks written by McCartney. Here’s a look at a few of McCartney’s compositions that Lennon held in high regard.
1. “Here, There and Everywhere” (Revolver, 1966)
During a break from filming Help! in Austria, McCartney played Lennon a demo of this heartfelt ballad. Lennon reportedly told McCartney, “I probably like that better than any of my songs on the tape.” Later, Lennon confirmed to Sheff that “Here, There and Everywhere” was among his favorite Beatles songs, a rare and genuine moment of praise from one musical genius to another.
2. “Oh! Darling” (Abbey Road, 1969)
Lennon described Abbey Road’s “Oh! Darling” as a song that aligned more closely with his vocal style, admitting he wished he had sung it:
“‘Oh! Darling’ was a great one of Paul’s that he didn’t sing too well. I always thought that I could’ve done it better—it was more my style than his.”
Still, he held the song in high esteem, appreciating McCartney’s knack for crafting a classic rock ballad.
3. “Hey Jude” (Single, 1968)
Lennon once called “Hey Jude” McCartney’s best song, lauding its emotional depth and lyrical strength. Written as a message of comfort for Lennon’s son, Julian, during his parents’ divorce, Lennon told Hit Parader in 1972, “That’s his best song… a damn good set of lyrics, and I made no contribution to that.”
The Complexity of Admiration
While Lennon and McCartney often fueled each other’s creative fires, their relationship was not without tension. Still, moments like these reveal the profound respect Lennon held for McCartney’s songwriting genius.
Even decades after Lennon’s passing, revisiting his words reminds us of the enduring magic of the Lennon-McCartney partnership and the timeless appeal of their music.
