5 Songs That Paul McCartney Wishes He Wrote

As one of the greatest songwriters in history, Paul McCartney has written some of the most iconic and beloved songs ever produced. From his days with The Beatles to his successful solo career, McCartney’s contributions to the world of music are immeasurable. However, even someone as talented as McCartney is often inspired by the work of others. Over the years, McCartney has expressed admiration for several songs, admitting that he wishes he had written them himself. These songs represent musical brilliance and innovation that McCartney holds in high regard. Here are five songs that Paul McCartney has openly said he wishes he had written.

1. “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys

“God Only Knows” from The Beach Boys’ 1966 album Pet Sounds is often considered one of the greatest pop songs of all time. Paul McCartney has repeatedly said how much he admires this track, calling it a musical masterpiece. The intricate harmonies, lush arrangements, and the deeply emotional lyrics have made it a song McCartney frequently points to when discussing songs that resonate deeply with him.

“It’s just a perfect song,” McCartney has said. “The melody, the harmonies, the production—it’s a genius piece of work. If I’d written that, I’d be very happy indeed.”

The influence of The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson’s complex musicality is evident in McCartney’s own songwriting, and he has often cited Pet Sounds as a major influence on his approach to music.

2. “Yesterday” by Paul McCartney (and The Beatles)

While this might seem like an obvious choice, McCartney himself has been known to say that “Yesterday” is the one song he is most proud of, and perhaps the one song he would wish he had written if he had to choose. This deeply personal and emotionally resonant ballad became one of The Beatles’ most beloved tracks, and McCartney still considers it an extraordinary achievement.

However, it’s not so much that he wished he had written “Yesterday”, but rather the sheer simplicity and emotional depth that the song holds is something McCartney admires in his own work. “It’s a song that I still listen to and am amazed by its beauty,” McCartney has said. The song was the first Beatles track to be recorded entirely with Paul McCartney alone, which marked a significant shift in McCartney’s songwriting style.

3. “Imagine” by John Lennon

As one of the most famous songs ever written by John Lennon, “Imagine” holds a special place in Paul McCartney’sheart. The song’s peaceful and idealistic message of unity and harmony resonated deeply with McCartney, and in interviews, he has confessed that he would be honored to have written such a powerful anthem for peace.

“It’s one of the greatest songs ever written, and it really reflects who John was at his core,” McCartney said in an interview. “If I had written it, I’d be proud to have it as my legacy.”

McCartney, while having a different style from Lennon, deeply respects how Lennon was able to create such a universal message with this iconic anthem. He sees “Imagine” as one of Lennon’s most significant contributions to music and peace.

4. “Something” by George Harrison

While George Harrison wrote “Something” for The Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road, McCartney has often spoken of his admiration for the song, acknowledging it as one of Harrison’s greatest achievements. McCartney himself has admitted that the melodic beauty and emotional depth of “Something” are qualities he wishes he had been able to capture in his own songwriting.

“It’s a song that’s really remarkable. George wrote this beautiful love song, and I remember being amazed by it when we were recording. If I’d written it, I’d be very happy. It’s just a gorgeous piece of work,” McCartney said of the track.

“Something” became one of The Beatles’ most celebrated songs and is widely regarded as Harrison’s masterpiece, often cited as one of the best love songs ever written. The track’s influence on McCartney’s songwriting is evident in his more melodic, emotionally vulnerable solo work.

5. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

For someone as well-versed in songwriting as Paul McCartney, it’s not surprising that he admires the lyrical brillianceof Bob Dylan, especially his iconic song “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Written by Dylan in 1962, this anthem of the civil rights movement became a symbol of hope and change, and McCartney has stated that he wishes he had written this deeply poetic and powerful piece of music.

“I’ve always admired Dylan’s ability to capture such important themes in such a simple, yet profound way. ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ is an example of the kind of writing I would have loved to have done,”McCartney has said.

Dylan’s ability to blend protest music with poetic imagery was something McCartney admired, particularly because of the universal message it carried. For McCartney, the simplicity and impact of “Blowin’ in the Wind” are qualities that he has strived to replicate in his own work.

Conclusion: Paul McCartney’s Humility and Appreciation for Other Songwriters

Even though Paul McCartney is one of the most successful and revered songwriters of all time, he has always shown great humility in acknowledging the talent and brilliance of other artists. The songs he wishes he had written represent a mixture of musical sophistication, emotional depth, and lyrical beauty—qualities that McCartney himself has always sought to infuse into his own music.

It’s clear that McCartney’s ability to appreciate the work of his peers is what has helped him stay relevant and innovativethroughout his career. The tracks he admires reflect the same qualities that have made his own music so influential: timeless, emotional, and resonant.