A self-taught musician, McCartney is proficient on bass, guitar, keyboards, and drums. He is known for his melodic approach to bass-playing (mainly playing with a plectrum), his versatile and wide tenor vocal range (spanning over four octaves), and his eclecticism (exploring styles ranging from pre-rock and roll pop to classical and electronica). McCartney began his career as a member of the Quarrymen in 1957, which evolved into the Beatles in 1960. Starting with the 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, he gradually became the Beatles' de facto leader, providing the creative impetus for most of their music and film projects. His Beatles songs "And I Love Her" (1964), "Yesterday" (1965), "Eleanor Rigby" (1966) and "Blackbird" (1968) rank among the most covered songs in history.
In 1970, McCartney debuted as a solo artist with the album McCartney. Throughout the 1970s, he led Wings, one of the most successful bands of the decade, with more than a dozen international top 10 singles and albums. McCartney resumed his solo career in 1980. Since 1989, he has toured consistently as a solo artist. In 1993, he formed the music duo the Fireman with Youth of Killing Joke. Beyond music, he has taken part in projects to promote international charities related to such subjects as animal rights, seal hunting, land mines, vegetarianism, poverty, and music education.
McCartney is one of the most successful composers and performers of all time. He has written or co-written 32 songs that have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and as of 2009, had sales of 25.5 million RIAA-certified units in the United States. His honours include two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Beatles in 1988 and as a solo artist in 1999), 18 Grammy Awards, an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1965, and a knighthood in 1997 for services to music. As of 2020, he is also one of the wealthiest musicians in the world, with an estimated fortune of £800 million.
Best known for primarily using a plectrum or pick, McCartney occasionally plays fingerstyle. He was strongly influenced by Motown artists, in particular James Jamerson, whom McCartney called a hero for his melodic style. He was also influenced by Brian Wilson, as he commented: "because he went to very unusual places". Another favourite bassist of his is Stanley Clarke. McCartney's skill as a bass player has been acknowledged by bassists including Sting, Dr. Dre bassist Mike Elizondo, and Colin Moulding of XTC.
During McCartney's early years with the Beatles, he primarily used a Höfner 500/1 bass, although from 1965, he favoured his Rickenbacker 4001S for recording. While typically using Vox amplifiers, by 1967, he had also begun using a Fender Bassman for amplification. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, he used a Wal 5-String, which he said made him play more thick-sounding basslines, in contrast to the much lighter Höfner, which inspired him to play more sensitively, something he considers fundamental to his playing style. He changed back to the Höfner around 1990 for that reason. He uses Mesa Boogie bass amplifiers while performing live.
McCartney was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 as a member of the Beatles and again as a solo artist in 1999. In 1979, the Guinness Book of World Records recognised McCartney as the "most honored composer and performer in music", with 60 gold discs (43 with the Beatles, 17 with Wings) and, as a member of the Beatles, sales of over 100 million singles and 100 million albums, and as the "most successful song writer", he wrote jointly or solo 43 songs which sold one million or more records between 1962 and 1978. In 2009, Guinness World Records again recognised McCartney as the "most successful songwriter" having written or co-written 188 charted records in the United Kingdom, of which 91 reached the top 10 and 33 made it to number one.
McCartney has written, or co-written, 32 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100: twenty with the Beatles; seven solo or with Wings; one as a co-writer of "A World Without Love", a number-one single for Peter and Gordon; one as a co-writer on Elton John's cover of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"; one as a co-writer on Stars on 45's "Medley"; one as a co-writer with Michael Jackson on "Say Say Say"; and one as writer on "Ebony and Ivory" performed with Stevie Wonder. As of 2009, he has 15.5 million RIAA certified units in the United States as a solo artist plus another 10 million with Wings.
Credited with more number ones in the UK than any other artist, McCartney has participated in twenty-four chart topping singles: seventeen with the Beatles, one solo, and one each with Wings, Stevie Wonder, Ferry Aid, Band Aid, Band Aid 20 and "The Christians et al." He is the only artist to reach the UK number one as a soloist ("Pipes of Peace"), duo ("Ebony and Ivory" with Wonder), trio ("Mull of Kintyre", Wings), quartet ("She Loves You", the Beatles), quintet ("Get Back", the Beatles with Billy Preston) and as part of a musical ensemble for charity (Ferry Aid).
"Yesterday" is one of the most covered songs in history with more than 2,200 recorded versions, and according to the BBC, "the track is the only one by a UK writer to have been aired more than seven million times on American TV and radio and is third in the all-time list ... [and] is the most played song by a British writer [last] century in the US". His 1968 Beatles composition "Hey Jude" achieved the highest sales in the UK that year and topped the US charts for nine weeks, which is longer than any other Beatles single. It was also the longest single released by the band and, at seven minutes eleven seconds, was at that time the longest number one. "Hey Jude" is the best-selling Beatles single, achieving sales of over five million copies soon after its release.
In July 2005, McCartney's performance of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with U2 at Live 8 became the fastest-released single in history. Available within forty-five minutes of its recording, hours later it had achieved number one on the UK Official Download Chart.
In December 2020, the release of his album McCartney III and its subsequent charting at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 earned McCartney the feat of being the first artist to have a new album in the top two chart positions in each of the last six decades.
[introduction]
Paul McCartney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wilson, Wilson
Wilson
Once upon a time there was a mountain
That rose out of a vast green forest
And in the forest there were birds
And lakes and rocks and trees and rivers
The forest was also inhabited
By a small group of people called the lizards
The lizards were a simple people
And they had lived in the forest undisturbed
For thousands of years in utter peace and tranquility
Once a year when spring came
And the first blossoms began to show
The lizards would gather at the base of the mountain
To give thanks for all that they had
They thanked the birds
And they thanked the lakes and they thanked the rocks
And the trees and the rivers
But most importantly, they thanked Icculus
Icculus lived at the top of the mountain
Or at least everyone thought so
For no one had actually ever seen him
But they knew he existed
Because they had the Helping Friendly Book
Icculus had given the Helping Friendly Book
To the Lizards thousands of years earlier as a gift
It contained all of the knowledge
Inherent in the universe
And had enabled the Lizards
To exist in harmony with nature for years
And so they lived
Until one day a traveler arrived in Gamehendge
His name was Wilson
And he quickly became intrigued
By the Lizards way of life
He asked if he could stay on
And live in the forest
And the Lizards, who had never seen an outsider
Were happy to oblige
Wilson lived with the Lizards for a few years
Studying the ways of the Helping Friendly Book
And all was well
Until one morning when they awoke and the book was gone
Wilson explained that he had hidden the book
Knowing that the Lizards had become
Dependent on it for survival
He declared himself king
And enslaved the innocent people of Gamehendge
He cut down the trees and built a city
Which he called Prussia
And in the center of the city
He built a castle
And locked in the highest tower of the castle
were the Lizards
And he declared that no one could enter or leave the tower
Until they had memorized every word of the Helping Friendly Book
And were able to recite it back to him
The once peaceful and harmonious forest
Was now ruled by a tyrant named Wilson
And the Lizards were imprisoned
In a tower, forced to memorize a book
That had once brought them enlightenment and wisdom
The song's lyrics are inspired by the mythology of the band Phish's concept album "The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday." The album chronicles the story of a land called Gamehendge, and the album's opening track, "Introduction," sets the stage for the story.
In the lyrics of "Introduction," the singer describes the peaceful existence of the Lizards, a tribe of people who live in a forest and celebrate spring's arrival by giving thanks to nature and Icculus, an unseen but revered being who gifted them the Helping Friendly Book, a text that contains all the knowledge of the universe.
Wilson, an outsider, arrives in Gamehendge and integrates with the Lizards, learning their ways and gaining their trust. However, he ultimately betrays the Lizards by stealing the Helping Friendly Book and exploiting their dependence on it for his own gain, enslaving them and building a city that represents power and authority, removing the Lizards from their once peaceful way of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Wilson, Wilson
Repetition of the name 'Wilson', possibly as a tribute to a friend with that name or as an attention-grabbing device.
Once upon a time there was a mountain
A story begins about a mountain that is about to be introduced as an important setting.
That rose out of a vast green forest
The mountain is part of a lush and expansive forest environment.
And in the forest there were birds
The forest is home to various forms of wildlife.
And lakes and rocks and trees and rivers
The forest contains diverse features of nature.
The forest was also inhabited
Aside from its natural inhabitants, other beings live within the forest.
By a small group of people called the lizards
A community of people who possess a distinctive reptilian trait, possibly metaphorical.
The lizards were a simple people
The community of lizards was known for having a basic, uncomplicated way of life.
And they had lived in the forest undisturbed
The lizards have been able to thrive without interference or disruption from external forces.
For thousands of years in utter peace and tranquility
The lizards have enjoyed a prolonged period of peaceful existence in their environment.
Once a year when spring came
A specific event takes place annually in the spring season.
And the first blossoms began to show
This yearly event is correlated with the blooming of flowers.
The lizards would gather at the base of the mountain
The lizards would go to a specific location near the mountain.
To give thanks for all that they had
The purpose of the gathering is to express gratitude for various aspects of their lives.
They thanked the birds
The lizards are appreciative of the presence and contributions of the birds in their environment.
And they thanked the lakes and they thanked the rocks
The lizards express appreciation for the other natural features of their environment.
And the trees and the rivers
More expressions of gratitude for the diverse elements of nature.
But most importantly, they thanked Icculus
There is one entity who is held in very high regard, who has a special importance beyond other things.
Icculus lived at the top of the mountain
The object of the lizards' gratitude is associated with the highest point of the mountain.
Or at least everyone thought so
Although the existence of Icculus is widely believed, there is a possibility that they are not real.
For no one had actually ever seen him
Despite the legend surrounding Icculus, there is no concrete evidence that proves their existence.
But they knew he existed
The belief in Icculus is strong and unwavering among the lizards.
Because they had the Helping Friendly Book
The basis for this belief is a book that the lizards possess, which they believe was given to them by Icculus.
Icculus had given the Helping Friendly Book
Icculus was purported to have been the source of the Helping Friendly Book's creation or transmission.
To the Lizards thousands of years earlier as a gift
The Helping Friendly Book was bestowed upon the lizards long ago as a generous gesture.
It contained all of the knowledge
The Helping Friendly Book is comprehensive in its content, comprising all forms of understanding.
Inherent in the universe
The knowledge contained in the book is fundamental to the workings of the cosmos.
And had enabled the Lizards
The existence of the book has facilitated the lizards' ways of life.
To exist in harmony with nature for years
The Helping Friendly Book's teachings have allowed the lizards to coexist alongside their environment without conflict.
And so they lived
The lizards continued to live peacefully with the aid of the Helping Friendly Book.
Until one day a traveler arrived in Gamehendge
The peaceful status quo of the lizards' environment is disrupted by the arrival of a new visitor in the region.
His name was Wilson
The stranger is given a specific name, which is revealed to be 'Wilson'.
And he quickly became intrigued
Wilson showed an early interest in, and possibly a fascination with, the lizards and their lifestyle.
By the Lizards way of life
Specifically, Wilson was intrigued by the aspects of the lizards' existence that are connected to the Helping Friendly Book.
He asked if he could stay on
Wilson expressed a desire to remain in the lizards' midst for an extended period.
And live in the forest
Wilson's request involves residing within the forest area that the lizards inhabit.
And the Lizards, who had never seen an outsider
The lizards have had very little, if any, prior contact with individuals outside of their own community.
Were happy to oblige
Despite this lack of experience, the lizards were content with welcoming Wilson into their midst.
Wilson lived with the Lizards for a few years
The newcomer became a significant part of the lizards' community and existence, sharing their space for an extended period of time.
Studying the ways of the Helping Friendly Book
Wilson engaged in the same learning of the Helping Friendly Book that the lizards were already knowledgeable in.
And all was well
During this period of coexistence, nothing seems to have caused any significant conflict or tension between either Wilson and the lizards or within the lizards' own community.
Until one morning when they awoke and the book was gone
The peace is broken when the Helping Friendly Book is no longer in the lizards' possession.
Wilson explained that he had hidden the book
The cause of the book's disappearance is revealed to be Wilson, who had deliberately concealed it from the lizards.
Knowing that the Lizards had become
Wilson had a keen awareness of the crucial role that the Helping Friendly Book played in the lizards' survival and prosperity.
Dependent on it for survival
He believed that without the book, the lizards would be unable to maintain their status quo and would be at risk for harm or worse.
He declared himself king
With the disappearance of the Helping Friendly Book, Wilson saw an opportunity to seize power and authority over the lizards.
And enslaved the innocent people of Gamehendge
With his newfound influence and control, Wilson exerted his will over the lizards and subjected them to cruel treatment and conditions.
He cut down the trees and built a city
In order to impose his own vision of society upon the area, Wilson enacted significant changes to the environment, which involved destruction of natural elements like trees.
Which he called Prussia
As a mark of his own power and authority, Wilson named the newly constructed city after his own liking.
And in the center of the city
In the heart of this new society that Wilson created...
He built a castle
...there was erected an imposing structure, a symbol of the reign that Wilson had established over the lizards.
And locked in the highest tower of the castle
Up in the uppermost section of the castle structure, there was a place of confinement that was specifically designed to imprison someone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Willie Dixon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@geoffrobson23
Music and lyrics by Paul McCartney
Lead vocals: Paul McCartney
Backing vocals: Paul McCartney
Guitar: Paul McCartney
Bass: Paul McCartney
Piano: Paul McCartney
Organ: Paul McCartney
Drums: Paul McCartney
Best Musician of my lifetime: Paul McCartney
@1985indeed
I don't always get along with my mother.
It's complicated, but it is what it is. We don't always see eye to eye.
I am 37. My mother is now 60. In 2015, I took her to see McCartney at London 02 on the second night. My 6th McCartney gig but her first.
It was such an emotional bonding experience for the two of us, and I feel one of my favourite memories of the two of us. Being older than me, she grew up not only knowing the Beatles, but also McCartney's solo music and Wings. I will never forget him playing this song, with these visuals, and seeing her cracking up and getting extremely emotional to this song.
Such priceless memories. Testament to the power of this man songs and how he can connect with the human emotions in all of us, and bring us together despite what differences we may have.
Thank you, Paul.
@Buddycoop1
For all the craziness of being a Beatles he's a good and down to earth guy. He adopts Linda's oldest daughter, great father, great friend to Julian Lennon and hung out with him when Julian was little, never was violent, always made us feel better with his songs, an animal and wild life protector, and definitely made the world a better place.
@ThaKunzlermichael
Succinct.....never ever violent...how refreshing, sane
@tonycoppin5734
I’ll even forgive him for the meat free Monday’s clip. Thanks Macca for a lifetime of truly great songwriting arranging and human positivity. X
@gwencampus5691
Wow, your comment honestly made me respect him even MORE! It’s good to know that he’s actually good people.
@retpraetorianmutineer
The first Paul McCartney malfunctioned and blew his brains out in a car. John wrote a song about him called "a day in the life". Wonder if the original Paul or Faul as the band called him could have written "baby you amaze me".
@skylordowl792
@@retpraetorianmutineer haha thats a pretty funny joke
@fortherecord1569
"Best thing I ever saw, was a man who loved his wife" - Paul McCartney
@playbackvintagehifihunter9669
For the Record Peace in the Neighbourhood 🙏🙏🙏
@althealligator1467
No comma
@rossieroman3642
The love that they had for each other was something beautiful