Why John Lennon Thought Paul McCartney Should Sing This Song

The creative partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney has long been framed as a study in contrasts. As the principal forces behind The Beatles, both writers possessed an uncanny ability to tap into the cultural pulse of their era. Yet history often paints Lennon as the boundary-pushing iconoclast, while McCartney is remembered for his melodic, often whimsical sensibilities.

That narrative, however, oversimplifies their dynamic. Beneath the surface, Lennon himself recognized McCartney’s versatility—particularly his ability to deliver hard-edged rock and roll with the same ease as his more polished compositions.

McCartney’s Overlooked Rock Credentials

Before the studio experimentation and orchestral flourishes, McCartney had already proven himself a formidable rock vocalist. In the Beatles’ formative years, his performances were defined by power and range, capable of cutting through the chaos of early live shows.

Although he introduced softer material such as “A Taste of Honey,” McCartney also brought an unmatched intensity to covers like “Long Tall Sally,” delivering them with a raw energy few could rival. This duality became a defining strength rather than a contradiction.

That rock sensibility didn’t disappear after the Beatles disbanded. With Wings, McCartney continued to lean into a grittier sound when it suited him. Tracks like “Hi Hi Hi” and “Junior’s Farm” reaffirmed his instinct for straightforward rock, while “Let Me Roll It” showcased a guitar-driven approach that, in some respects, echoed Lennon’s own style.

Lennon, Cooper, and a Shared Ear for Hooks

By the time Lennon entered his Walls and Bridges period, his music had taken on a more introspective tone. Still, his ear for compelling hooks remained sharp. Songs like “What You Got” demonstrated that his vocal intensity and emotional delivery were as potent as ever.

During this time, Lennon was also moving in circles that included major rock figures such as Alice Cooper. Cooper, already a pioneer of shock rock, was simultaneously refining his songwriting craft alongside producer Bob Ezrin.

The result was a run of songs that balanced theatricality with undeniable musical appeal. While Billion Dollar Babies drew attention for its provocative stage imagery, it was tracks like “Elected” that revealed Cooper’s true strength: a sharp instinct for melody and structure.

“Paul Would Have Done It Better”

Lennon’s admiration for “Elected” became part of rock folklore. According to Cooper, the former Beatle was struck by the song’s satirical edge and couldn’t stop sharing it with those around him.

“When ‘Elected’ came out, that to him was like a great poke in the eye to all politics. He came to listen to the record at the office in New York, and he kept bringing people in, like, ‘You’ve gotta hear this record!’ One time he’s walking out and I’m walking in. ‘Hey John, how are you doing?’ ‘Hey Alice! Great record.’ Then he says: ‘Paul would have done it better.’ And I went: ‘Well, of course he would – he’s Paul McCartney!’ The fact that he loved the record was a big deal.”

The remark is revealing. Even in praise, Lennon acknowledged McCartney’s melodic instincts—suggesting that the song’s construction aligned closely with his former bandmate’s strengths.

Indeed, the structure of “Elected” bears resemblance to the anthemic style of The Who, yet its flowing melody and rhythmic drive could just as easily fit within McCartney’s wheelhouse. It’s not difficult to imagine him anchoring the track with a melodic bassline, guiding it with the same precision he brought to his post-Beatles work.

In the end, while Cooper’s theatrical edge set him apart from the Beatles’ catalog, his songwriting placed him firmly in the same conversation. Endorsed—however indirectly—by Lennon, his ability to craft enduring hooks ensured his place among rock’s most respected artists.