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.
Musica
Paul McCartney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Music, music, musica
Fill us with joy
Joy to be here
Here in your song
Into the heart of a beautiful song
Where we belong together
Help us to discover wisdom
Let us be glad
Glad to be here
In the heart of your song
Lift us from sorrow
Lead us to the light
Lead us into the light
Of your sweet song
We are where we belong
Where we belong
Here in the heart of your song
Here in the light
Light our way with your sweet song
Here in the light of your sweet song
Lift up our hearts
Behold this heart of mine
See the sun within it shine
Reveal this heart of mine
Let me discover love inside
Love within in my heart
Let me behold my inner joy
Help to reveal my inner light
Inner light
Into the light where we belong
Into the warmth or your sweet song
We belong in the light of your sweet song
When I feel real joy
Flowing deep and warm
Still it brings a special glow
To this heart of mine
For it means so much
More than you will ever know
When I feel real joy
Flowing deep and warm
Still it brings a special glow
To this heart of mine
For it means so much
More than you will ever know
More than you will ever know
I feel joy inside my heart
Gentle treasure of my soul
I can feel real joy so deep and warm
Still it brings a special glow
To this heart of mine
It means so much
More than you will ever know
Behold this heart of mine
See the sun within it shine
Reveal this heart of mine
Let me discover love divine
Love within in my heart
Let me behold my inner joy
Help to reveal my inner light
Notice how gently we spin
Here on the skin of a sphere, of a sphere
Now music to lull us to sleep
Now lull us to sleep
Music to wake us from a dream
Music to wake us from a dream
Music to wake us from a dream
Take us into the light
Notice how gently we spin
Here on the skin of a sphere
Music to lull us to sleep
First music to lull us to sleep
Music to wake us from a dream
Notice how gently we spin
Here on the skin of a sphere
Music to lull us to sleep
Music to wake us from a dream
Whether we are strong or we are weak
Whether we are foolish or are wise
We all seek the treasures of love
We all seek the pleasures of love
Music is the servant of the Queen and King
Who are happy if we smile but are delighted if we sing
Whether we are strong or are weak
Whether we are foolish or we are wise
We all seek the treasures hidden within love
W all seek the pleasures of love
Music is the treasure that we all can bring
We are happy if we smile
But are delighted when we sing
Whether we are strong or are weak
Whether we are foolish or wise
Ah treasures of love
We all seek the treasures of love
Ah pleasures of love
We all seek the pleasures of love
Ah love, treasures of love
Music is the treasure that we all can bring
And we are happy when we smile delighted when we sing
The song Musica by Paul McCartney speaks to the power of music and its ability to bring joy, wisdom, light, and love into our lives. McCartney repeats the word "music" multiple times, emphasizing its importance in the lyrics. The song invites the listener to enter into the heart of a beautiful song, where they can find belonging, and be lifted from sorrow and led into the light. McCartney recognizes that music has a unique ability to reveal the inner light and joy that lies within each person's heart. The song concludes with the idea that music is a treasure that everyone can bring, and we are happy when we smile and delighted when we sing.
The repetition of the word "music" is a prominent feature of the song and mirrors a similar style used by The Beatles in their song "All You Need Is Love." The title "Musica" is the Italian word for music, highlighting the universality of music across cultures. Paul McCartney was inspired to write the song after a visit to the island of Capri, where he was struck by the beauty of the landscape and the way it formed a natural amphitheater perfect for musical performances. The song was released on McCartney's album "Ecce Cor Meum," which translates to "Behold My Heart." The album was a choral work inspired by McCartney's love of classical music.
Despite being primarily known for his songwriting and guitar playing ability, Paul McCartney actually studied classical music composition for a time in the 1960s. He was also heavily influenced by the music of other classical composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Franz Schubert. While the song "Musica" is not explicitly a classical piece, it does showcase McCartney's love of choral music and his ability to create sweeping, emotional soundscapes. The song was performed live as part of McCartney's 2007-2008 "Up and Coming Tour," but has not been part of any live performances since.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for "Musica" are not readily available online.
Line by Line Meaning
Music, music, musica
Repeatedly asking for the presence of music.
Fill us with joy
Asking music to bring happiness in our lives.
Joy to be here
Acknowledging the pleasure of listening to music.
Here in your song
Being immersed in the melody of the music.
Into the heart of a beautiful song
Being absorbed by the beauty of the song.
Where we belong together
Feeling a sense of belonging and connection with the music.
Help us to discover wisdom
Asking for guidance and inspiration from the music.
Let us be glad
Asking music to make us happy.
Glad to be here
Expressing happiness to be able to listen to music.
In the heart of your song
Being absorbed in the emotions of the song.
Lift us from sorrow
Asking music to console and heal our pain.
Lead us to the light
Asking music to guide us to enlightenment.
Lead us into the light
Asking music to lead us into enlightenment.
Of your sweet song
Referring to the beauty and pleasantness of the music.
We are where we belong
Feeling at home and comfortable with the music.
Here in the light
Acknowledging the brightness and positivity of music.
Light our way with your sweet song
Asking music to guide us through life with its beauty and positivity.
Lift up our hearts
Asking music to elevate our spirits and emotions.
Behold this heart of mine
Asking the listeners to pay attention to their hearts.
See the sun within it shine
Discovering the warmth and radiance within our hearts.
Reveal this heart of mine
Asking for the innermost feelings of the heart to be exposed.
Let me discover love inside
Asking music to help us find love within ourselves.
Love within in my heart
Recognizing the presence of love within our hearts.
Let me behold my inner joy
Asking music to help us find happiness within ourselves.
Help to reveal my inner light
Asking music to help us find the positive qualities within ourselves.
Into the warmth or your sweet song
Referring to the comforting and pleasant nature of music.
When I feel real joy
Describing the emotion of being genuinely happy.
Flowing deep and warm
Describing the intensity and pleasantness of joy.
Still it brings a special glow
Acknowledging the positive impact of joy on one's emotions.
For it means so much
Expressing the significance of joy in one's life.
More than you will ever know
Stating that the true impact of joy cannot be fully understood.
I feel joy inside my heart
Describing the presence of happiness within oneself.
Gentle treasure of my soul
Describing the value and preciousness of joy.
Reveal this heart of mine
Asking music to help reveal our innermost emotions.
Let me discover love divine
Asking music to help us find a spiritual love within ourselves.
Notice how gently we spin
Reflecting on the beauty and harmony of the world.
Here on the skin of a sphere, of a sphere
Referring to the earth as a sphere and acknowledging the uniqueness of it.
Now music to lull us to sleep
Acknowledging the relaxing and comforting nature of music.
Now lull us to sleep
Asking music to help us sleep peacefully.
Music to wake us from a dream
Referring to the inspiring and awakening nature of music.
Whether we are strong or we are weak
Emphasizing that everyone seeks love and happiness.
Whether we are foolish or are wise
Stating that the search for happiness and love is universal.
We all seek the treasures of love
Stating that everyone seeks the valuable emotion of love.
We all seek the pleasures of love
Stating that everyone seeks the enjoyable experiences that come with love.
Music is the servant of the Queen and King
Comparing music to a servant of royalty - music is of high value and importance.
Who are happy if we smile but are delighted if we sing
Expressing the joy and delight that music brings to people.
Ah treasures of love
Expressing the value and importance of love.
Ah pleasures of love
Expressing the enjoyable experiences that come with love.
Ah love, treasures of love
Revering the deep and valuable emotion of love.
Music is the treasure that we all can bring
Stating that music is a valuable gift that everyone can offer.
And we are happy when we smile delighted when we sing
Expressing the joy and pleasure that music brings to people.
Contributed by London N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
GASTON SITANUSA
Lyrics :
I can wait another day
Until I call you
You've only got my heart on a string
And everything a-flutter
But another lonely night
Might take forever
We've only got each other to blame
It's all the same to me, love
'Cause I know what I feel to be right
No more lonely nights
No more lonely nights
You're my guiding light
Day or night, I'm always there
May I never miss the thrill
Of being near you
And if it takes a couple of years
To turn your tears to laughter
I will do what I feel to be right
No more lonely nights, never be another
No more lonely nights
You're my guiding light
Day or night, I'm always there
And I won't go away until you tell me so
No, I'll never go away
Yes, I know what I feel to be right
No more lonely nights, never be another
No more lonely nights
You're my guiding light
Day or night, I'm always there
And I won't go away until you tell me so
No, I'll never go away
And I won't go away until you tell me so
No, I'll never go away
No more lonely nights, no no
bleep77
There are certain 80’s songs that give me an overwhelmingly painful and bittersweet sense of nostalgia. This is definitely one of them.
Michael Togni
I’m right there with you. Lost love opportunities…. never to be realized.
S CLARK
Right?? I feel like crying and laughing all at the same time!
Martin Webb
Great song love it
GJG JR.
This song gives me chills....when it came out I was 19 and living in the mountains of Hawaii in the Army......it is never played on radio so when I hear it I am young and in that place again....
Melissa Phillips
Honestly could not have put it better myself.....
trqster
One of the best and most underrated ballads of all time. It's a timeless masterpiece. Thank you Sir Paul McCartney.
Quettley Raphaels
We rate good music in our heart. It's one of our best ever
dannyprankss 1
We know the truth!!!!!!!!!
GJG JR.
This song gives me chills....when it came out I was 19 and living in the mountains of Hawaii in the Army......it is never played on radio so when I hear it I am young and in that place again....