Did Paul McCartney Write Any Songs with John Lennon and George Harrison?

The collaboration between Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison in The Beatles is a legendary story that has captivated music enthusiasts for decades. However, the question of whether they ever co-wrote songs remains a topic of interest and debate. This article aims to explore the extent of their collaborations, focusing on their earliest recordings, the composition process, and the evolution of their songwriting partnership.

Early Collaborations

The Beatles began their journey in 1956 as The Quarrymen, with their first recording credited to McCartney-Harrison. This early song, In Spite of All the Danger, stands out as a notable exception. Although Paul McCartney is the primary composer, George Harrison's contribution is recognized through a guitar solo he performed, which prompted Paul to give him co-authorship credit.

Paul McCartney and John Lennon's first collaborative effort as a team was the song titled “Just Fun.” Despite its catchy tune, this track was never performed by the band, showcasing how even early compositions could be discarded. The duo also played a significant role in the creation of In Spite of All the Danger, the first recording by The Quarrymen, which later transformed into The Beatles. This recording is not only invaluable but also deeply rooted in the band's history.

Commercial and Creative Partnership

The majority of Beatles songs, especially after the band's rise to fame, were credited to Lennon/McCartney. This partnership was a practical business decision, ensuring that the artistic and financial interests of both partners were protected. However, it's important to note that there were instances where they wrote separate parts, such as with the guitar solo in “In Spite of All the Danger.”

Paul McCartney and George Harrison also co-wrote Cry for a Shadow, recorded in 1961 during the Hamburg days. While this song highlights their early creative synergy, their involvement in other collaborations was more limited after the band's formation.

Late Collaboration and Legacy

Despite their prolific songwriting career, Paul McCartney and George Harrison's collaborative efforts in The Beatles were not always extensive. In the years following the band's break-up, they occasionally suggested working together again. However, their late career collaboration faced challenges due to differences in creative vision and personal circumstances. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Paul suggested revisiting their partnership, but George rejected the idea, saying, "why does he want to work with me now he never wanted to before when we were together for 100 years."

These words highlight the complex dynamics of their relationship, which was marked by both creative synergy and personal tensions during and after the band's active years. Their legacy, however, remains a testament to the incredible music they created together.

Key Takeaways

Paul McCartney and George Harrison co-wrote In Spite of All the Danger, the first recording by The Quarrymen. The duo wrote early songs like Just Fun and Cry for a Shadow, but their collaborations diminished after the band's formation. Paul accepted co-authorship for George Harrison's guitar solo in “In Spite of All the Danger” to recognize his contribution.

In conclusion, while Paul McCartney's songwriting with John Lennon and George Harrison was significant, it was more pronounced in their early days as The Quarrymen. The Lennon/McCartney partnership became the norm, ensuring both artists received credit for the massive body of work they created together.