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.
Appreciate
Paul McCartney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And remember what your life is
Don't have to give it all away
When you're left for dead
In the middle of a crisis
You must appreciate the day
There's something there
Beware of pushing it away
Show that you care
And be certain you don't fight it
You must appreciate the day
She says you don't give back what you take
She got evidence you don't appreciate her love, oh yeah
She says it's all a show and no go
You drop everything, give back
Reciprocate her love
Lift up your head
And remember what your life is
Don't have to give it all away
When you're left for dead
In the middle of a crisis
You must appreciate the day
She says you don't give back what you take
She got evidence you don't appreciate her love, oh yeah
She says it's all a show and no go
You drop everything, give back
Reciprocate her love
There's something there
But you're frightened to invite it
Beware of pushing it away
Show that you care
And be certain you don't fight it
You must appreciate the day
The song "Appreciate" by Paul McCartney has a deep message about the importance of cherishing life and love. The lyrics emphasize the need to lift up one's head and take notice of what is important in life. McCartney suggests that when we face a crisis or are left for dead, it is crucial to appreciate the current moment and not give up. The song encourages listeners to show gratitude and care towards important people in their lives.
The lyrics contain a dialogue between two people. One person is questioning the other about their lack of appreciation for their love. The person is warning the other that they will lose their love if they do not reciprocate and show appreciation. McCartney is emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness and appreciation.
Through the lyrics, McCartney is urging listeners to take action and not let fear or uncertainty hold them back. He suggests that when we are frightened to invite new experiences or love into our lives, we must not push them away but instead embrace them. Overall, the song is a reminder to appreciate what we have and take the time to show love and kindness to those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Lift up your head
Raise your head high and look forward with confidence and optimism
And remember what your life is
Recall the essence and value of your life
Don't have to give it all away
You don't have to sacrifice everything for others
When you're left for dead
When you feel abandoned and hopeless
In the middle of a crisis
During a moment of intense difficulty or danger
You must appreciate the day
You should recognize and cherish the present moment
There's something there
There is a certain opportunity or possibility
But you're frightened to invite it
You are scared of taking it or exploring it further
Beware of pushing it away
Be careful not to reject or miss out on the chance
Show that you care
Express your affection and concern
And be certain you don't fight it
And make sure you don't resist or deny it
She says you don't give back what you take
She is accusing you of being selfish and taking her for granted
She got evidence you don't appreciate her love, oh yeah
She has proof that you don't value or acknowledge her affection
She says it's all a show and no go
She believes that your actions are insincere and fake
You drop everything, give back
You need to prioritize and reciprocate her love and kindness
Reciprocate her love
Show her the same love and care that she shows you
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Nanaxxkj
The same guy who was one of the first artists appearing on tv (black and white) then advanced to the first ones on color tv is now one of the first ones using this kind of technology for a music video. You Sir Paul McCartney are officially a legend.
I love the song, I love how the video involves children, teens and adults all at the same time, this is what our generation needs.
@kora1721
And his band played a song transmitted live to the entire world :) - All You Need Is Love
@swissuz
Great comment!!
@joaquindelarosa1215
This is what art is intended to do. Open peoples' eyes. Great song, great message, great video! This video should have won best video of the year.
@lindaalex5868
I never heard or saw this I am blown away
@paulaohsi
Just because he isn't singing 'Yesterday' doesn't mean his new work is crap. Besides, the song is not even bad, it's actually better than most pop nonsense we have nowadays. Let's give Paul some APPRECIATION for giving us music, unlike other musicians who retire after they're 50!
@niksier6591
I was very excited to help out and be at this film shoot. I'd never experienced anything like it before. I had the privilege of meeting most of the people involved, from the the riggers and sparky's to the arts team, the cameramen, choreographer, runners, director, the puppeteers and its maker, some actors and extras and their families and more. I also met some of Paul's team including his manager and his personal, some have been with Paul since his early days. Paul was gracious and came across as a very considerate person in the little ways. He asked if I would help an older person down off a wee stage. I knew the guy was younger than Paul and I felt a little embarrassed to ask him if he needed a hand we all had a laugh about it including Paul, There was a birthday and Paul encouraged everyone to join in singing happy birthday, I'm sure she'll never forget the time Paul MaCarney sang her happy birthday. Paul also signed the guitar that the robot is playing in the vid which is to be sold to raise money for the Khmer Magic Music Bus project in Cambodia. Mary Paul's daughter was there photographing Paul at work, she is truly delightful. The vibe on set was really focused positive and happy. It was a real insight to see how much hard work goes into producing a relatively short film Anyway thank you one and all for the opportunity of sharing a little bit of life together, all together an amazing experience. Ooooops nearly forgot I'll always 'Appreciate' involvement in this vid/film its extra special to me. Thanks S
L&P All
Nik
@MyDreamside
who are you and what did you do? how did you make it to be a part of it?
@PogieJoe
I would do anything to have been in your place! Kudos to you a thousand-fold!
@niksier6591
PogieJoe I just remembered something else. The jacket he is wearing was an original jacket from the beatles days he showed me John Lennon's name tag sewn on the inside pocket because a mistake had been made with the labels. I was amazed, how many people could get into the same clothing from around 50 years ago !