Paul McCartney Reflects On His Friendship With John Lennon In New Podcast

In the latest episode of the McCartney: A Life in Lyrics podcast, Paul McCartney fondly reminisces about his friendship with John Lennon while discussing his 1982 solo song “Here Today.” This heartfelt track serves as a tribute to his late Beatles bandmate, written less than a year after Lennon’s tragic murder. McCartney engages in an imaginary conversation with Lennon, pondering what he would say if he were still alive.

Describing “Here Today” as a song filled with memories and love for Lennon, McCartney reflects on the countless experiences they shared, from casual moments in their front parlors to strolls down the street and hitchhiking adventures. He recalls the first time he saw Lennon on a bus, noting how he was captivated by Lennon’s cool demeanor, with his leather jacket and sideburns. Their shared passion for songwriting immediately bonded them.

McCartney also delves into Lennon’s complex personality, explaining that his tough exterior stemmed from a difficult upbringing, marked by the loss of his mother during his teenage years and the absence of his father. However, in “Here Today,” McCartney recalls a touching moment when Lennon allowed himself to be vulnerable, and they both shed tears together during a hurricane-stricken stay in Key West.

He shares an instance when Lennon confided in him about his concerns regarding his legacy, a conversation that left McCartney shocked. He took on the role of reassurance, telling Lennon that people would remember him as great based on his body of work, like a comforting presence in Lennon’s life.

In the song, McCartney expresses that he’s no longer holding back tears as he fondly remembers the wonderful times he shared with Lennon, ultimately revealing his deep love for his late friend.

“Here Today,” featured on McCartney’s 1982 album Tug of War, remains a poignant part of his live performances, with McCartney playing it solo on acoustic guitar. It evokes strong emotions in both McCartney and the audience, often moving listeners to tears due to its sentimental and nostalgic nature.

A Life in Lyrics Podcast Series

The McCartney: A Life in Lyrics podcast draws inspiration from McCartney’s 2021 book, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present, which explores 154 of his songs. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, the podcast incorporates audio interviews that formed the foundation of the book. The series is planned to have two seasons of 12 episodes each, with new episodes from the first season released weekly. This podcast is co-produced by iHeartPodcasts and the Pushkin audio-production company.

The first seven episodes of the podcast are available on iHeart.com, Pushkin.fm, and various popular streaming platforms. Subscribers to the Pushkin+ service can access the entire first season. Additionally, a paperback edition of The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present was released on November 7, 2023.