“We Can Work It Out” is a song that highlights the creative partnership and contrasting viewpoints of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, who were the primary songwriters for the Beatles.
This song was unveiled as a double A-side single alongside “Day Tripper” in December 1965 and was recorded during the sessions for the Beatles’ album, Rubber Soul. It marked the sixth consecutive single by the Beatles to reach the number one spot on the US charts and was honored with the Ivor Novello Award for being the top-selling A-side of 1965 in the UK.
The composition of the song can be divided into two distinct sections: the verses and chorus, penned by McCartney, and the middle eight, composed by Lennon. McCartney’s lyrics reflect an optimistic and conciliatory tone, expressing a desire to resolve issues within a relationship. In contrast, Lennon’s lyrics convey impatience and a realistic outlook, acknowledging the transient nature of life and the pointlessness of conflict.
This song serves as a rare example of a collaborative effort between Lennon and McCartney during this phase of the Beatles’ career, as they typically composed songs independently or with minimal influence from one another.