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
The 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 wanna 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 wanna 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 wanna be a paperback writer
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” is a commentary on the commercialization of the publishing industry and the desire for fame and success. The first verse of the song is a plea from the perspective of an aspiring writer to a publisher to read their book, which is based on a novel by a man named Lear. The writer is not interested in writing a “great American novel,” but instead desires to be a “paperback writer” and achieve commercial success. The writer is so desperate for a job that they are willing to compromise their creative vision to achieve success.
The second verse critiques the nature of the publishing industry and the kinds of books that are successful. The “dirty story of a dirty man” is a reference to pulp fiction, which was a popular genre at the time. In this genre, authors create sensational stories filled with sex and violence in order to attract readers. The clinging wife who doesn’t understand is a common trope in these stories. The verse also comments on the limited job opportunities available to young people at the time, and the desire to break out of those traditional roles and achieve something great.
Overall, “Paperback Writer” is a satirical take on the publishing industry, commercialization, success, and the desire to make it big as a writer.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
Please give my book a chance and read it, even if you don't know me.
It took me years to write, will you take a look?
I have put a lot of time and effort into creating this book, and I hope you will appreciate it.
It's based on a novel by a man named Lear
My book is inspired by the work of a great author named Lear.
And I need a job
I am hoping that my writing skills will lead me to a profitable career.
So I wanna be a paperback writer
I hope to become a bestselling author, with my works of literature available to the masses.
It's a dirty story of a dirty man
The subject matter of my book is quite controversial, and may not be suitable for everyone.
And his clinging wife doesn't understand
The relationship between the main character and his wife is difficult and complicated.
His son is working for the Daily Mail
The main character's son has a job working for a newspaper.
It's a steady job
While his son's job is stable, it may not be what he truly desires.
But he wants to be a paperback writer
The son aspires to be a writer, just like his father.
It's a thousand pages, give or take a few
This book is quite long, and has taken a lot of time and effort to write.
I'll be writing more in a week or two
I am determined to keep writing, and hope to create even more works in the near future.
I could make it longer if you like the style
If the reader enjoys the style of my writing, I would be happy to create even longer works.
I can change it 'round
I am a flexible writer, and am open to changing my work to suit the reader's preferences.
And I wanna be a paperback writer
My goal is to create literature that will be accessible and enjoyable to a wide audience.
If you really like it you can have the rights
If a publisher is interested in my book, I would be happy to sell the rights to them.
It could make a million for you overnight
If this book becomes successful, the publisher stands to make a significant amount of money.
If you must return it you can send it here
If the reader is not satisfied with the book, they can return it to the publisher.
But I need a break
Writing can be exhausting, and I need some time to rest.
And I wanna be a paperback writer
Despite the challenges, I remain committed to my goal of becoming a successful author.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Iricom US Ltd
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
An excellent song by The Beatles.
@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