The Collaboration of Lennon and McCartney: The Best Example

The undeniable collaboration of John Lennon and Paul McCartney remains one of the most celebrated and lifelong musical partnerships in the history of popular music. When it comes to writing songs that showcase their genuine teamwork, the choices indeed are few—yet each is remarkable in its own way. This article explores the most fitting example of a song written entirely by both Lennon and McCartney, dissecting the intricacies of their co-creation process.

The Limited Choices for Co-Written Beatles Songs

It's important to note that most Beatles songs primarily came from one or the other, with both contributing offsets and enhancements. Even in renowned tracks such as "A Day in the Life" or "I’ve Got a Feeling," the root ideas often belonged to a single songwriter, with contributions from the other filling in the gaps. When it comes to a full song written from start to finish by both, the debate narrows significantly.

The two most prominent candidates are "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." While "I Want to Hold Your Hand" is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser, the personal favorite of many, including both John and Paul, is "She Loves You." This song, however, leans more heavily on Paul, with John's input more crucial in song structure rather than lyrics.

The Heart of the Matter: "We Can Work It Out"

One of the quintessential examples of Lennon and McCartney's collaboration is "We Can Work It Out," a song that brilliantly demonstrates the ingenuity and symbiosis of their creative partnership. This track, released in 1965, presents a remarkably crisp picture of the dynamic duo's collective genius.

Paul McCartney's Outlet for Lyric Writing

Pcatch you up: Paul McCartney's penchant for melody and lyrics is well-documented. His ability to conjure songs effortlessly is legendary, much like the way water flows from a stream. However, "We Can Work It Out" marked a moment where even Paul found himself vexed creatively

The Musical Challenge and John's Intervention

At the midpoint of the song, Paul hits a creative roadblock. After the memorable line "we can work it out, we can work it out," he finds himself at an impasse, fundamentally stuck. It's in these moments of stagnation that John's intervention becomes transformative. John's insertion of a "middle eight" section not only breathes new life into the piece but also complements the earlier sections perfectly, creating a seamless narrative.

A Detailed Analysis of "We Can Work It Out"

Let's delve into the composition of "We Can Work It Out." The initial section, penned primarily by Paul, sets the tone with its upbeat and catchy melody. Yet, the intricate thematic shift comes in when John takes the baton. The "middle eight" section, which famously includes the lyrics "it's been such a pleasure to serve you," provides an entirely different musical theme. This contrasts sharply with the earlier melody and creates a powerful dynamic within the song, akin to a traditional hymnal with its varied choruses.

The Significance of the "Middle Eight"

To understand the concept of a "middle eight," it's necessary to break down the anatomy of a song. A bar in music is the smallest grouping of notes and rests, and is a vital part of a song's structure. Songs are composed of numerous bars, allowing the music to be more readable and performable. A "middle eight" is a section that differs from the main theme, often inflecting a new musical direction or mood. In "We Can Work It Out," this section introduces a new harmony and melody, effectively bridging the initial sections while maintaining a cohesive flow.

Contrast with Other Sing-Along Songs

For context, consider a song devoid of a "middle eight" or chorus, such as "Kumbaya." This song relies solely on a once-repeated verse, with minor lyrical variations. The simplicity and repetitiveness of this structure can make the song monotonous, akin to a chant. In contrast, "We Can Work It Out" benefits from the contrast and variation, creating a more engaging listening experience. The three chord progression, while quite basic, supports the dynamic structure proposed by both songwriters effectively.

The Symphonic Nature of Their Collaboration

The depth of collaboration between Lennon and McCartney is reminiscent of a symphony. Both artists sat down in a room and created music that transcends the sum of its parts. Their ability to conceive new melodies and lyrics while preserving the essence of the song is something few artists can match. "We Can Work It Out" stands as a testament to their mutual respect and skill as composers.

Final Thoughts

When evaluating which song best exemplifies the collaboration between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, "We Can Work It Out" emerges as a clear favorite. The song's ability to showcase both artists' strengths while highlighting their unique and complementary styles serves as the quintessential example of their musical partnership. It is a perfect blend of Paul's lyrical prowess and John's melodic innovation, proving that Lennon and McCartney were, without a doubt, a powerhouse duo in music history.