The Beatles and Ringo Starr: Songs Specifically Written for the Drummer

The Beatles revolutionized the music industry with their unique strategy of providing band members with individual spotlight songs on their albums. One such member who particularly benefited from this approach was Ringo Starr, although he may not have been considered the best singer in the band. This article explores the songs that were explicitly written for Ringo Starr, detailing their creation and significance.

Songs Written for Ringo Starr

During the peak of Beatlemania, Ringo was the most adored member of the band by his fans. As a result, it became evident to the remaining members that Ringo deserved a dedicated song on each album to showcase his talent and appeal to his fanbase. From "With a Little Help from My Friends" to "Yellow Submarine," a number of iconic songs were crafted with Ringo in mind.

With a Little Help from My Friends

"With a Little Help from My Friends" was a song purposefully created for Ringo. When the band returned from the Pepper Sessions, they had yet to produce a solo spot for Ringo, leading them to compose a song tailored to his unique vocal range. John Lennon and Paul McCartney meticulously crafted this song, chronicled by Hunter Davies in his documentation, highlighting their collaboration process which often seemed unconventional but ultimately led to an excellent composition.

The song is deeply personal to Ringo, celebrating his ability to form and maintain friendships. It reflects his humility and reliance on others, followed by an uplifting message. This is perhaps the best illustration of John and Paul's deliberate effort to create a song for Ringo, making him the star of the album.

Yellow Submarine and Other Hits

Further notable songs include the cheerful "I Wanna Be Your Man" and the whimsical "What Goes On." Additionally, "Do You Want to Know a Secret" and "Good Night" were also filled with spots for Ringo, ensuring his importance in the band's musical journey.

Limited Original Writing

Ringo wrote only a couple of solo songs, the most famous being "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden." George Harrison might have assisted in the writing process for these, but they were primarily composed with Ringo in mind.

Conclusion

The Beatles clearly understood the importance of creating a balanced and harmonious dynamic within the band. By providing each member with a solo spotlight, they not only showcased the unique characteristics of their members but also strengthened the band's appeal to the broader audience. Ringo Starr, in particular, benefited from this strategy, with songs like "With a Little Help from My Friends" and those mentioned above becoming classics in their own right.

The unique collaboration and dedication from John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison underscore the brilliance of their writing and the sentimental value behind these songs. Ringo's contributions and the legacy of their creation continue to enamor fans around the world.