John Lennon's Hidden Role in Writing for Ringo Starr on The Beatles Albums

The Beatles were one of the most iconic bands in music history, and while much has been written about the creative dynamics between Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, there is often less discussion about John Lennon's contributions. In fact, Lennon wrote several songs specifically for Ringo, showcasing a lesser-known aspect of his musical prowess and the band's collaborative spirit. This article delves into these collaborations and provides insights into the songwriting efforts that led to Ringo's inclusion on album tracks.

The Power Behind the Hits

It's a well-known fact that each of the members of The Beatles wrote songs just for Ringo, their beloved drummer. This section explores some of the most notable songs Lennon wrote for Ringo, including:

"Goodnight" - from The White Album "I'm the Greatest" - also from The White Album "Goodnight Vienna" - from the album of the same name "Cookin'" - from Ringo's Rotogravure "Grow Old with Me"

Additionally, John Lennon wrote another song for Ringo called "Nobody Told Me," which turned out to be a posthumous hit for Lennon himself a few years later.

A Little Help from My Friends

An interesting detail is that "With a Little Help from My Friends" was specifically written for Ringo to sing. The process of creating this song was documented by Hunter Davies, who recounted the band's approach to creating a song tailored to Ringo's style. This collaboration was part of a broader strategy the Beatles employed early on:

Ringo was not a great singer, but he was the one the band's fans adored. The Beatles ensured that Ringo had a solo spot on each album to capitalize on this fan support.

Juanita Morris, who worked closely with The Beatles, noted that only a couple of solo songs were written for Ringo, with "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden" being the most prominent. Additional songs, such as "Good Night" and "What Goes On," were also penned by Lennon and given to Ringo.

The Co-Composition Approach

The creation of "With a Little Help from My Friends" is a prime example of the co-composition method used by Lennon and McCartney. They had a strategy for writing a "Ringo style" song, and this approach allowed them to craft a track that would perfectly suit his vocal range and personality. The song's lyrics and melody were tailored to highlight Ringo's strengths and vulnerabilities, making it a true representation of his character.

Specifically, the song emphasizes Ringo's ability to form and maintain friendships, thus tapping into his most endearing qualities. The message of the song—knowing one's own limitations while acknowledging dependence on others, yet ultimately embracing the support one receives—is very much in line with Ringo's persona.

Conclusion

John Lennon's role in writing for Ringo Starr is a fascinating aspect of The Beatles' history. His contributions to Ringo's solo tracks demonstrate his versatility as a songwriter and his deep understanding of his bandmate's strengths. This article has highlighted some of the key songs written by Lennon for Ringo and the processes behind their creations, providing a deeper appreciation of The Beatles' collaborative spirit.