Paul McCartney Reveals ‘Secret Formula’ Songwriting With John Lennon
John Lennon & Paul McCartney - The Howard Stern Show / YouTube
The songwriting partnership between Paul McCartney and John Lennon has long fascinated fans and fellow musicians alike. As co-leaders of The Beatles, the pair created some of the most iconic songs in modern music history. While their individual styles were distinct, their collaboration often felt seamless—almost mystical in its chemistry.
In a rare and thoughtful 2020 conversation with Taylor Swift for Rolling Stone, McCartney reflected on those formative songwriting years. It was a moment where two different generations of musical giants connected over craft, inspiration, and legacy. Swift, having just released her indie-folk-leaning folklore, engaged McCartney in a genuine dialogue about process and purpose.
What stood out most in the conversation wasn’t just nostalgia—it was how McCartney humbly peeled back the curtain on what made his partnership with Lennon so powerful. He shared personal insights into their method—or lack thereof—and how creativity flowed between them without strict rules.
View this post on Instagram
“We Don’t Have a Formula, and We Don’t Want One.”
When asked by Swift about his lyrical process, McCartney admitted that there was no single route to a finished song. Sometimes it began with a melody, other times with a phrase. The same spontaneity applied to his time with Lennon. They rejected the idea of a “formula” and embraced improvisation.
McCartney recalled that people would often ask who wrote the lyrics and who handled the music. His answer was always, “We both do both.” The strength of the Lennon-McCartney duo, he explained, came from this fluidity and shared ownership. There was no ego in claiming roles—just a shared desire to create something meaningful.
Rejecting a structured formula kept things fresh, even unpredictable. McCartney said they felt that once a formula was in place, it needed to be torn up. This openness to experimentation and instinct-driven writing contributed to the freshness and emotional honesty of their songs.
View this post on Instagram
The Young Beatle Who Craved the Spotlight
During their talk, McCartney also opened up about his youthful hunger for fame. He confessed to Swift that early on, he was the one who would write to journalists, exaggerating their accomplishments and asking for publicity. It was all part of his eager desire to be noticed.
Looking back, McCartney saw this not as arrogance but as part of the ambition that drove the band forward. He described the way he’d portray the Beatles as a “semiprofessional rock combo” and claimed he and Lennon had written over a hundred songs—even when that wasn’t true. It was, in his words, pure hustle.
Swift was amused and impressed by his candor, calling it “great.” McCartney’s reflections painted a picture of a young man driven by vision and a need to be seen. While fame would eventually find him in abundance, it was heartening to hear him reflect honestly on how much he chased it in those early days.
View this post on Instagram
McCartney’s Solo Mindset
After The Beatles, McCartney continued writing and performing music—both solo and with his band Wings. In the interview, he shared how his songwriting has evolved since those early collaborative days with Lennon. Now, it often feels more personal and introspective.
He explained that lyrics often come from a place of wanting to reach out to someone in need. His songs, he said, are sometimes aimed at a person going through a tough time, almost like a musical letter of encouragement. It’s this empathy and emotional sensitivity that gives McCartney’s solo work its distinct voice.
McCartney also emphasized his love for language. Playing with words, finding the right rhythm or sentiment—these are the things that keep songwriting exciting for him. While the collaboration with Lennon brought energy and balance, his solo writing brings reflection and a deeper kind of intimacy.
View this post on Instagram
The Enduring Influence of Lennon-McCartney
Even decades after The Beatles disbanded, the impact of the Lennon-McCartney partnership continues to ripple through popular music. McCartney’s conversation with Swift not only bridged two eras of songwriters but also highlighted how foundational those Beatles years were to his artistic identity.
Despite their differences—and eventual estrangement—McCartney still speaks of Lennon with reverence. Their creative bond, born from curiosity and mutual respect, remains one of music’s most enduring legacies. It’s a partnership that gave the world songs of joy, sorrow, wit, and wonder.
In the end, perhaps the secret wasn’t a formula at all. It was two minds pushing each other forward, trusting the process, and refusing to settle into predictable patterns. That spirit of experimentation and connection is what made Lennon and McCartney legends—and what continues to inspire songwriters today.
