The Paul McCartney Song That Earned John Lennon’s Respect

When you look into the Beatles discography, you will find some massive hits, while others are more experimental or even downright bizarre. There are tracks that the artists themselves regret and those they feel proud of. John Lennon was never shy about discussing his time with the band and the songs he created with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

Acknowledging Paul’s Talent

Lennon played a big role in the early writing for the Beatles, but it was during the creation of their second album, With The Beatles, that McCartney made a splash with one of his standout tracks: “All My Loving.” Lennon described it as “one of his first great hits,” and he had a special fondness for it, calling it “one of the most loved and respected” songs he had written.

However, Lennon also had a bit of regret about it. In a 1980 interview with Playboy, he candidly admitted, “All My Loving is Paul, I regret to say. Because it’s a damn fine piece of work. But I play a pretty mean guitar in back.” This shows how much he appreciated the song while hinting at his competitive spirit.

McCartney’s Creative Shift

For McCartney, “All My Loving” was a significant milestone in his songwriting journey. He explained, “Yeah, I wrote that one. It was the first song I ever wrote where I had the words before the music. I wrote the words on a bus on tour, then we got the tune when I arrived there. The first time I’ve ever worked upside down.” This track not only showcased McCartney’s talent but also signaled a shift in the band’s dynamic, highlighting his growing prowess as a songwriter.

The buzz generated by “All My Loving” helped the Beatles gain even more recognition, especially in the United States and Canada, as well as their home in the UK. It marked a turning point for the group, showcasing McCartney’s rising star as a songwriter and setting the stage for their continued evolution.

Listen to the track below: