For decades, the world has been captivated by the music of The Beatles, a band that not only defined a generation but reshaped the very fabric of popular culture. At the heart of this creative whirlwind was Paul McCartney, a man whose melodies have become the soundtrack to countless lives. Now, at 80 years old, the living legend has provided glimpses into his personal pantheon of Beatles classics, offering a rare and intimate look at the songs that hold the most meaning for him. While he has never released a definitive, numbered list, his reflections over the years paint a vivid picture of the tracks that resonate most deeply with their creator.

This is not just a collection of hits; it is a journey through memory, a celebration of friendship, and a testament to the enduring power of song. The songs McCartney has highlighted are a diverse and often surprising collection, revealing the intricate emotional tapestry of his life and career. From the tender ballad that came to him in a dream to the groundbreaking orchestral piece that challenged the norms of pop music, each selection tells a story. Join us as we explore the five Beatles songs that Paul McCartney cherishes most, and discover the secrets, the inspirations, and the enduring magic behind these timeless masterpieces.

“Here, There and Everywhere”: A Love Song for the Ages

Of all the beautiful melodies that flowed from Paul McCartney’s pen, “Here, There and Everywhere” from the 1966 album Revolver holds a particularly special place in his heart. It is a song that he has often cited as one of his personal favorites, a testament to his mastery of the ballad form. The song’s gentle, flowing melody and heartfelt lyrics create an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated love, a quality that McCartney himself has acknowledged with pride.

In numerous interviews, McCartney has spoken of the song’s composition with a fondness that is palpable. He has recalled writing it by a swimming pool while waiting for John Lennon to wake up, a seemingly mundane moment that gave birth to an extraordinary piece of music. The influence of The Beach Boys’ groundbreaking album Pet Sounds, particularly the song “God Only Knows,” is evident in the sophisticated chord progressions and intricate vocal harmonies. McCartney has been open about his admiration for Brian Wilson’s work, and “Here, There and Everywhere” can be seen as his own exquisite response to the creative gauntlet thrown down by his American contemporary.

The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity and its sincerity. The lyrics, which speak of a love that is all-encompassing and ever-present, are both personal and universal. It is a love song that transcends the specific, touching upon the universal human desire for connection and devotion. Even John Lennon, who was often McCartney’s harshest critic, had high praise for “Here, There and Everywhere,” once calling it “one of my favorite songs of The Beatles.” For McCartney, this praise from his dear friend and collaborator was perhaps the most meaningful accolade of all.

“Yesterday”: The Dream That Became a Phenomenon

No discussion of Paul McCartney’s favorite Beatles songs would be complete without “Yesterday.” It is more than just a song; it is a global phenomenon, one of the most covered tracks in the history of popular music. The story of its creation has become the stuff of legend: the melody came to McCartney in a dream, so fully formed that he initially believed he had subconsciously plagiarized it. He spent weeks playing it for people, asking if they had ever heard it before, until he was finally convinced that this beautiful, melancholic tune was indeed his own.

Released on the album Help! in 1965, “Yesterday” was a radical departure for The Beatles. It featured McCartney on solo acoustic guitar, accompanied by a string quartet, a decision that initially caused some consternation within the band. This was not the rock and roll sound that had made them famous, but something more introspective and classical. It was a bold artistic statement, and it paid off handsomely. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its poignant exploration of love and loss, a theme that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

For McCartney, “Yesterday” is a song that has taken on a life of its own. It is a reminder of a time when his creative powers were at their peak, when melodies seemed to flow from him effortlessly. It is also a song that has connected him with millions of people around the world, a shared experience that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. While he has performed it countless times over the past half-century, he still imbues it with a sense of fresh emotion, a testament to its enduring power and its personal significance for him.

“Eleanor Rigby”: A Story in a Song

With “Eleanor Rigby,” Paul McCartney proved that pop music could be as profound and as powerful as any other art form. Released as a double A-side with “Yellow Submarine” in 1966, this haunting track from the album Revolver was a stark and unflinching look at loneliness and alienation. With its cinematic string arrangement and its cast of lonely characters, “Eleanor Rigby” was a world away from the cheerful love songs that had dominated the pop charts.

The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of a lonely woman and a solitary priest, are a masterclass in narrative songwriting. McCartney has said that the name “Eleanor” came from Eleanor Bron, the actress who starred with The Beatles in the film Help!, while “Rigby” was inspired by a shop in Bristol. The story itself, however, was a work of fiction, a poignant and powerful reflection on the quiet desperation of so many lives.

The decision to use a string octet, arranged by the legendary George Martin, was a stroke of genius. The sharp, stabbing strings create a sense of unease and anxiety, a perfect musical accompaniment to the song’s bleak subject matter. “Eleanor Rigby” was a song that pushed the boundaries of what a pop song could be, and it remains one of McCartney’s most daring and most celebrated compositions. It is a song that he is justifiably proud of, a powerful and moving piece of work that continues to captivate and to haunt listeners to this day.

“Let It Be”: A Message of Hope in Troubled Times

The song “Let It Be” came to Paul McCartney during a period of great turmoil and uncertainty. The Beatles were on the verge of breaking up, and the sense of camaraderie that had once defined them was beginning to fray. It was a difficult and painful time for McCartney, and he was struggling to find a way forward. It was in this moment of crisis that his late mother, Mary, came to him in a dream, offering words of comfort and reassurance: “It’s going to be okay, just let it be.”

This dream became the inspiration for one of The Beatles’ most beloved and enduring songs. Released in 1970 as the title track of their final studio album, “Let It Be” is a powerful and uplifting anthem of hope and resilience. With its gospel-infused piano chords and its soaring guitar solo, the song has the feel of a modern hymn, a message of solace for a world in turmoil.

For McCartney, “Let It Be” is a song that is deeply personal, a reminder of his mother’s love and a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity. It is a song that has brought comfort to millions of people around the world, a beacon of hope in dark times. When he performs it in concert, it is always a powerful and emotional moment, a shared experience of catharsis and of healing. “Let It Be” is more than just a song; it is a prayer, a promise, and a timeless message of peace.

“Strawberry Fields Forever”: A Nod to a Genius Friend

While Paul McCartney is rightly celebrated for his own incredible songwriting, he has always been a generous and enthusiastic champion of the work of his bandmates. He has spoken with great admiration for the songs of George Harrison and Ringo Starr, but his praise for his longtime friend and collaborator, John Lennon, has always been particularly heartfelt. And of all of Lennon’s brilliant compositions, the one that McCartney has singled out most often for praise is “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

This psychedelic masterpiece, released as a double A-side with “Penny Lane” in 1967, was a deeply personal and introspective song for Lennon, a journey back to the memories of his childhood. With its dreamlike lyrics and its innovative studio production, “Strawberry Fields Forever” was a song that broke all the rules, a stunning and audacious piece of work that redefined the possibilities of popular music.

McCartney’s admiration for the song is a testament to the deep and abiding respect that he had for Lennon’s talent. He has spoken of the song’s “magic” and its “beautiful” melody, and he has often performed it in his solo shows, a touching tribute to his departed friend. His love for “Strawberry Fields Forever” is a reminder of the incredible creative partnership that he shared with John Lennon, a partnership that produced some of the greatest music of the 20th century. It is a generous and heartfelt acknowledgment of the genius of his friend, and a beautiful and moving tribute to their enduring legacy.