“People are going to think you were great,” are the words that Paul McCartney told his friend and bandmate John Lennon when the latter was worried about how people would remember him after he died.
In the most recent episode of his podcast, the legendary singer Paul McCartney takes a stroll down memory lane.
He shares heartfelt memories of his dear friend and Beatles partner, John Lennon.
Rather than a somber reflection, McCartney injects a sense of warmth and camaraderie into his recollections.
This gives us a glimpse into the unique bond they shared.
Friendships Endure
In the world of iconic songwriting, McCartney penned a touching tribute to Lennon in the form of the 1982 solo track “Here Today.”
This poignant song, McCartney reveals, was his personal ode to the friend he lost tragically just two years prior.
The lyrics speak volumes, capturing the essence of their friendship: “Well, knowing you, you’d probably laugh and say that we were worlds apart. But as for me, I still remember how it was before. And I am holding back the tears no more. I love you.”
Delving into the podcast, aptly titled “McCartney: A Life in Lyrics,” the artist sheds light on Lennon’s contemplation of death.
This occurred long before the fateful events of 1980.
McCartney discloses a conversation in which Lennon expressed concern about how he would be remembered.
“I remember him saying to me, ‘Paul, I worry about how people are going to remember me when I die,’ and it kind of shocked me,” McCartney, 81, recalled on the podcast.
“I said ‘OK, hold on, just hold it right there. People are going to think you were great, you’ve already done enough work to demonstrate that,’” McCartney recalls saying.
Lennon’s Legacy
Reflecting on their collaborative magic, McCartney describes the effortless synergy they enjoyed while working together.
“If anyone asks me, ‘What was it like to work with John?’ The fact was it was easier, much easier, because there were two minds at work. And that interplay was nothing short of miraculous,” he reminisces.
Today, McCartney faces the challenge of crafting songs without his partner’s input.
He often finds himself pondering, “What would John say to this?” as he navigates the creative process alone.
The genesis of “Here Today” is a testament to McCartney’s emotional journey. Written in 1982, it served as McCartney’s love song to John, a therapeutic outlet for his grief.
The process was both moving and cathartic, allowing McCartney to reconnect with his departed friend through the power of music.
“And it was a powerful loss, so to have a conversation with him in a song was some form of solace. Somehow I was with him again,” he reflects.
Timeless
As the Beatles mark over five decades since their disbandment, McCartney touches on the recent release of their “last song” titled “Now and Then.”
This track, originating from the late 1970s, features a piano and vocals by Lennon.
Recorded in the Dakota Building in New York, where Lennon lived and met his untimely demise, the song adds another layer to the band’s enduring legacy.
In McCartney’s songs and tunes, we see more than just a way to remember a friend who’s no longer here. It’s like a happy celebration of a friendship that goes beyond just living and dying.
The podcast episode is like a door that opens up, letting us join in and be a part of the close connection between these two music legends.
Banner photo via Instagram @thebeatles.
