One of McCartney's aunts reportedly requested that he write a song with some other theme than boy–girl relationships. British disc jockey Jimmy Savile claimed that McCartney's inspiration came from seeing drummer Ringo Starr reading a book. "He took one look and announced that he would write a song about a book," he said. In a 2007 interview, McCartney recalled that he wrote the song after reading in the Daily Mail about an aspiring author, possibly Martin Amis. The Daily Mail was Lennon's regular newspaper and was often in the studio when The Beatles were writing songs.
The song's lyrics are in the form of a letter from an aspiring author addressed to a publisher. The author badly needs a job and has written a paperback version of a book by a "man named Lear." This is a reference to the Victorian painter Edward Lear, who wrote nonsense poems and songs of which John Lennon was very fond (though Lear never wrote novels).
Aside from deviating from the subject of love, McCartney had it in mind to write a song with a melody backed by a single, static chord. "John and I would like to do songs with just one note like 'Long Tall Sally.' We got near it in 'The Word.'" McCartney claimed to have barely failed to achieve this goal with "Paperback Writer," as the verse remains on G until the end, at which point it pauses on C. The backing vocals during this section are from the French children's song "Frère Jacques"."
Paperback Writer
Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
It took me years to write, will you take a look?
It's based on a novel by a man named Lear,
And I need a job,
So I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.
And his clinging wife doesn't understand.
His son is working for the Daily Mail
It's a steady job,
But he wants to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.
Paperback writer, paperback writer.
It's a thousand pages, give or take a few.
I'll be writing more in a week or two.
I could make it longer if you like the style.
I can change it 'round,
And I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.
If you really like it you can have the rights.
It could make a million for you overnight.
If you must return it you can send it here,
But I need a break,
And I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.
Paperback writer, paperback writer.
Paperback writer, paperback writer.
Paperback writer, paperback writer.
Paperback writer, paperback writer.
Paperback writer...
The Beatles' song "Paperback Writer" tells the story of an aspiring author who is trying to make a living by writing paperback novels. The singer is reaching out to someone, asking them to read their book, which is based on a novel by a man named Lear. The singer is hoping to get a job as a paperback writer, and the song suggests that this is a difficult profession, as the writer is competing with other authors for the attention of publishers and readers.
The song also tells the story of a "dirty man" and his "clinging wife," and their son who works for the Daily Mail. The man wants to be a paperback writer, but it's not clear if he has any talent for writing or if this is just a pipe dream. The song ends with the singer saying that if the book is successful, it could make a million dollars for the person who buys the rights, and that the singer needs a break from writing.
Overall, "Paperback Writer" is a clever and witty song that has been interpreted in many different ways. Some people see it as a commentary on the publishing industry, while others see it as a satire on the idea of writing for money. Regardless of how it is interpreted, the song is a testament to the Beatles' creative genius and their ability to explore complex themes in their music.
Line by Line Meaning
Paperback writer, paperback writer.
The author wants to be known as a writer who publishes paperbacks.
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
The author is asking someone to read his book.
It took me years to write, will you take a look?
The author spent a lot of time writing the book and wants it to be read.
It's based on a novel by a man named Lear,
The book is based on a novel by a man named Lear.
And I need a job, So I want to be a paperback writer, Paperback writer.
The author needs a job and wants to make money by becoming a paperback writer.
It's a dirty story of a dirty man, And his clinging wife doesn't understand.
The book is about a controversial topic involving a dirty man and his unhappy wife.
His son is working for the Daily Mail It's a steady job, But he wants to be a paperback writer, Paperback writer.
The son has a steady job but still wants to be a paperback writer.
It's a thousand pages, give or take a few. I'll be writing more in a week or two.
The book is a long one, with a thousand pages, and the author plans to write more soon.
I could make it longer if you like the style. I can change it 'round, And I want to be a paperback writer, Paperback writer.
The author is open to changing the book's length and style to make it more appealing and marketable as a paperback writer.
If you really like it you can have the rights. It could make a million for you overnight.
The author is willing to sell the rights to the book, which could be very profitable for the buyer.
If you must return it you can send it here, But I need a break, And I want to be a paperback writer, Paperback writer.
The author wants the reader to send the book back if they don't like it, but also wants a break and still wants to become a paperback writer.
Paperback writer, paperback writer.
The author once again emphasizes his desire to become a paperback writer.
Paperback writer...
The song ends with the author repeating his desire to become a paperback writer.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brendanmcguinness808
Ringo was controlling the other Beatles with his powers
@lunahetfield
Brendan McGuinness XD
@Abcd-df2ep
Plot twist
@somedude4774
...and here's another clue for You all, the walrus was Ringo.
@Ih8kone
He is one with the force.
@pinterestringo
The Beatles are actually just Ringo moving really fast
@chrisridenhour
"Mom, The Beatles are in the backyard again"
@JaySlay69
Oh, I wish lol!
@minstrelofMir
i started a beatles copy band in 1975 age11 im age55 in 5 days,,i carried them alot of years i almost feel i was in with them lol ynwa
@josieposie5678
Oh shit get the Raid