The Song Paul McCartney Wrote In 2 Hours

Paul McCartney is more than just a legendary musician; he’s a natural-born songwriter known for whipping catchy tunes on the fly. With a massive catalog of original songs, his creative process has taken many forms, from leisurely afternoons to urgent deadlines. Let’s look closer at his incredible ability to write music, often in record time!

Quick Songwriting Skills

In a fun interview, McCartney shared that he once set a personal challenge to write a song in just two hours. And guess what? He nailed it! This talent for quick songwriting has helped solidify his status as one of the greatest songwriters in rock history. Whether he’s in a rush or taking his time, McCartney knows how to capture the magic of music.

He’s also known for collaborating with fellow artists, including John Lennon. A prime example of their efficiency is the song “I Wanna Be Your Man,” which McCartney and Lennon dashed off for The Rolling Stones in 1963. The track became a hit for the band and showcased how quickly McCartney could create something special. Another memorable moment happened when actor Dustin Hoffman asked McCartney to write a song on the spot, leading to the creation of “Picasso’s Last Words (Drink to Me).” Talk about pressure!

Writing “Somedays” in Two Hours

McCartney’s knack for spontaneous songwriting is well illustrated by his work with his first wife, Linda. The couple would often create music together during everyday moments, like hanging out at home or going on a date. While working on his album Flaming Pie, McCartney had an unexpected burst of creativity while waiting for Linda at an appointment. He used those two hours to write “Somedays,” proving that inspiration can strike anytime.

As he recounted, “Songs can come from anywhere. Sometimes, I would drive Linda to one of her cookery assignments. I kept out of the way, went upstairs, and made up a little fantasy for myself to write a song.” He had a self-imposed deadline, and when Linda finished her shoot, he could proudly say, “Oh, I wrote this song, wanna hear it?”

Friendly Competition with Lennon

McCartney has often reflected on his songwriting sessions with John Lennon, describing their relationship as competitive yet playful. They both enjoyed the thrill of writing new songs quickly, which spurred them to outdo each other. “John and I used to play this game, and I don’t think it ever took us more than three or so hours to write a song,” he said. This friendly rivalry helped them produce some of the most memorable tracks in music history.