Another Beatles book? There is no shortage of books about the Fab Four so what makes this one different? John Lennon and Paul McCartney are widely viewed as the greatest songwriting partnership of all time. However, the partnership was much more than a working relationship. It was a deep, brotherly love that sustained them through good and bad times.

The partnership worked in different ways. Some songs were a 50:50 effort while others were composed entirely by John or Paul. However, they decided early on that all songs would be credited to both of them. Consequently, some John Lennon songs are jointly credited to Paul McCartney and, likewise, some Paul McCartney tracks are also credited to John Lennon.

There are some songs where it is clear who wrote what. Maybe the best example if A Day in the Life which is primarily a John Lennon song to which McCartney contributed "Woke Up. Got out of bed...." Both John and Paul reflecting in later years had different recollections on as to who contributed what parts. For example, Lennon claims input on Eleanor Rigby even though that is generally viewed as a McCartney track.

The relationship was not without friction. As the Beatles' career developed Paul McCartney became more of the driving force within the group. He was more of a natural musician and his background opened him to all sorts of music. This would manifest itself in the variety of styles that appeared on Beatles albums. Both Lennon and McCartney were also highly innovative. John Lennon may have written the more wordy songs like Come Together or I am the Walrus but much of the innovation came from Paul McCartney. He had immersed himself in London's avant-garde art scene and he was bringing ideas to the recording studio such as tape loops and backwards guitars.

In the late 1960s the relationship appeared to become more strained. They were both involved in new relationships, John with Yoko and Paul with Linda. However, the principal catalyst in the breakdown appears to be the New York accountant Allen Klein. He had improved contracts for bands such as the Rolling Stones and three of the group believed he could have the same effect on the Beatles' tottering finances. McCartney was not in favour, preferring the legal expertise of his in-laws. This split would become quite acrimonious. Lennon decided to leave the group although this was kept quiet to the extent that when McCartney wanted "out" he was seen as the one who split the Beatles. Comments in interviews and in songs such as Lennon's How Do You Sleep suggested that there was a relationship breakdown between John and Paul.

The public perception was that Paul and John had virtually become enemies but this was not the case. There were "business issues" precipitated by Klein but John, George and Paul soon saw through Klein and realised that McCartney had been correct, at least about Klein's appointment. John and Paul would meet up when Paul was in New York where John was now living. The friendship was still there and, even when they "had words", Lennon could take off his glasses and state "it's only me."

This book is a very enjoyable read. While it seems to repeat a well-known subject, it does delve deep into the relationship between Lennon and McCartney and how this impacted their songwriting.

Published: 29 January 2026

Faber