The Pen That and a Bus Ride
From catching ideas on a bus to getting the perfect title in a sweet dream, Paul McCartney is spelling out his musical journey in a brand‑new two‑volume book.
About the Book
The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present is described as a “self‑portrait in 154 songs.” It covers the span of Paul’s eight‑decade songwriting career – from his teenage years in the Beatles, through his time with Wings, to his solo work.
Structure & Highlights
- Alphabetical arrangement of songs
- Lyrics for classics such as Hey Jude, A Hard Day’s Night, Penny Lane and many more
- Information about what inspired each piece
- Handwriting sketches, letters, and snapshots that paint a vivid picture of the creative process
Paul on Release and Interpretation
During a book launch event on November 5th, Paul shared his outlook on songwriting:
“Once I’ve finished a song, I hand it over to the world and let the rest happen. I don’t fret about the outcome.”
“Not everyone will catch the exact meaning I intended; they’ll create their own. That’s fine – you gotta let it roll.”
Key People & Memories
- John Lennon – a prolific collaborator still featured heavily throughout the book
- Linda McCartney – beloved first wife, who passed in 1998, also showcased in the pages
Early Inspirations
Paul’s first tune, I Lost My Little Girl, was written at 14 after his mother’s death in 1956.
Years later, a comforting dream about his mother sparked the title for Let It Be:
“She was a saintly figure in that dream, whispering ‘It’s going to be ok, just let it be.’ That felt so warm and perfect for the title.”
Formatting and Design
The book is bound together with poems by Paul Muldoon and features a rich visual layout. It’s a nostalgic journey through Liverpool and the family that shaped Paul’s artistry.
Truth About The Beatles Split
Paul clarified a common myth: it was John who stirred the idea to dissolve the group in 1970.
“People often say it was me who broke up the Beatles – I’ve carried that misconception for a long time.”
Paul’s Take on Fame
At age 79, he reflects on the side effects of fame:
“Your privacy … I had to learn to cope with the side effects that fame brings. That’s what I’m still doing.”
