Paperback Writer
Paul McCartney Lyrics


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Paperback writer, paperback writer
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
It's a dirty story of a dirty man
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

Overall Meaning

"Paperback Writer" is a classic song by Paul McCartney, that tells the story of a struggling writer trying to get his book published. The singer pleads for the reader to take a look at his book, which he has been working on for years, and based on a novel by a man named Lear. He is desperate for a job, and so has chosen to become a writer of popular paperbacks, as they are the easiest to sell.


The second verse of the song tells the story of a dirty man, who has a wife who doesn't understand him. His son works for the Daily Mail, but he too dreams of becoming a paperback writer. The singer is willing to write anything that would sell, and he promises to make the novel longer if the style is liked. He even offers the rights of the book to the reader, emphasizing how much he wants to be a paperback writer.


Ultimately, "Paperback Writer" is a clever satire on the popular paperback industry of the 1960s, which was notorious for publishing risqué stories and novels often with lurid covers. The song showcases McCartney's ability to write catchy, memorable tunes, with humorous lyrics that are still relevant today.


Line by Line Meaning

Paperback writer, paperback writer
The singer repeats the phrase 'paperback writer' in order to emphasize their desire to become one.


Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
The singer asks a stranger to read the book they wrote.


It took me years to write, will you take a look?
The singer is proud of how long it took them to write the book and wants someone to appreciate it.


It's based on a novel by a man named Lear
The book the artist wrote is an adaptation of a book by someone else named Lear.


And I need a job So I want to be a paperback writer Paperback writer
The artist wants to become a writer to find work and support themselves.


It's a dirty story of a dirty man And his clinging wife doesn't understand His son is working for the Daily Mail
The story in the book is about a man who is considered to be of lower status and has family and work issues.


It's a steady job But he wants to be a paperback writer Paperback writer
The son of the man in the story is working a steady job, but still wants to become a writer.


It's a thousand pages, give or take a few I'll be writing more in a week or two
The book is very long already, but the artist plans on writing even more in a short period of time.


I could make it longer if you like the style I can change it 'round
The artist is willing to make changes to the book to fit the reader's preferences.


And I want to be a paperback writer Paperback writer
The artist reiterates their desire to become a 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
The singer believes the book has great potential and tells the reader they can buy the rights to the book or return it to them if not satisfied.


But I need a break And I want to be a paperback writer Paperback writer
The artist is tired from writing and needs a break, but still wants to become a writer.


Paperback writer, paperback writer Paperback writer, paperback writer Paperback writer
The singer repeats the phrase 'paperback writer' to end the song and reinforce their goal of becoming a writer.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Iricom US Ltd
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Dennis Rojo

The best and maybe the only two chord rock song ever written....G to C and that's it. The magic of Paul and the Beatles.

Hannibal Clark

​@Blade Runner The best answer.

richardthelionheart

@Lars Bruinenberg Said with such confidence, haha. But no, you're extremely mistaken. Go look up say, 'I'll Be Back' - 2 bridges with more chords than than 10 ordinary songs, If I Fell to Sexy Sadie, Happiness is a Warm Gun , Blackbird, Julia, Mr Kite, Michele.... to say the Fabs never used complicated chords - or many, as you say - is completely absurd. By the way Paperback - has more than 2 chords - they are under the chorus and were faded down in mixing. Only 2 other songs match this chordal simplicity in their entire catalogue - two! Get Back and Tomorrow Never Knows.

Sparticus Ulyssis

@Lars Bruinenberg actually the Beatles were famous among musicians for there varied chord changes sometimes odd chords

michael conners

G Good to C Charismic ?

jonRboy

Yeah, I know, it's all in the arrangement and the vocals. You don't notice that it's only 2 chords; there is no boredom musically speaking because of it.

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thefilmandmusic

This guy can rock it up and deliver a heart rending ballad. He’s a complete treasure appreciate him while we have him

Josué Gonzalez

I think is what we (people) do !!... :))

Secretarian

Still one of the great guitar riffs.

retired architect

that's why he's playing lead instead of bass I would guess

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