Did Paul McCartney Write 'Something' for Ringo Starr?
The question of whether Paul McCartney penned songs specifically for Ringo Starr is a topic of much debate. Indeed, there are numerous examples where Paul and John Lennon wrote songs with Ringo in mind.
Understanding the Role of Ringo Starr
It is important to note that Ringo Starr was not only a Beatle but one of the most adored members by fans. Initially, Beatlemania ignited his popularity, and his distinctive, lively personality allowed the band to leverage his charm. The Beatles recognized this and strategically included Ringo in the spotlight on each album.
Paul's Contributions to Ringo's Songs
Paul McCartney was the primary songwriter among the Beatles, and his songs often reflected the themes and personalities of the other band members. For instance, “With a Little Help from My Friends” was written with Ringo in mind, despite John Lennon’s credit. John mentioned it was a joint effort, with Paul having the main idea. Similarly, “What Goes On”, although Ringo provided a line, was fundamentally a Paul McCartney composition, as he built the song around Ringo, giving him a sense of recognition and satisfaction.
The Significance of "With a Little Help from My Friends"
A particularly notable song written specifically for Ringo is "With a Little Help from My Friends." This was part of a deliberate strategy to ensure that each Beatles album had a dedicated song for Ringo. By this time, the Pepper Sessions had yet to yield a suitable track, so the Beatles had to create one specifically for Ringo. The co-composition process was recorded by Hunter Davies, highlighting how the idea evolved through the interaction between John and Paul. The song was carefully composed to fit Ringo's more limited vocal range, focusing on themes of friendship and reliance on others, which resonated with Ringo's personality.
The Evolution of Beatles Songwriting
Notably, George Harrison's status as a songwriter emerged later in the band's career, and was often influenced by the relationship dynamics, such as when his then-wife Patti Boyd inspired his songwriting. However, John Lennon occasionally provided support during this time, though his relationship with Paul was tense. John co-wrote "Act Naturally" with Ringo, which was a B-side single to "Yesterday."
Understanding 'Something'
The discussion of a song's authorship inevitably leads to 'Something,' a track written for Ringo's album, _begging Your pardon for not having enough to give. While often accredited to George Harrison, the song was actually written under George’s direction but with John’s support during a period of estrangement with Paul. George's involvement in the songwriting process began a new era in Beatles songwriting, acknowledging his contributions and allowing him to take the lead in various ways.
Further Insights
Around this time, the Beatles manipulated Ringo's solo writing credits. For instance, "I Wanna Be Your Man" was written primarily by Paul, and "Yellow Submarine" saw Ringo receive a writers' credit, known for adding just one line to the song. These collaborations ensured that Ringo had lead roles on every album, showcasing his recognizably distinct laugh in the recording process and ensuring the Beatles maintained a balanced and fair approach.
Collectively, these songs showcase how the Beatles carefully curated Ringo's image and involvement in the band, creating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that has since become iconic and venerated in the history of pop music.
Keywords: Beatles, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Songwriting, Solo Albums