Paul McCartney Reveals his Songwriting Secrets - BBC Radio 'Sold on Song' - 17 September 2005

In an interview recorded at Abbey Road Studios, Paul talks songwriting with Mark Radcliffe.

Originally broadcast on Saturday 17 September 2005 on BBC Radio 2 as part of their "Sold on Song" series.

Enjoy!

[Arrowtotheknee]

He says here that he wrote "She Loves You" in a hotel bedroom with John, but in his carpool karaoke he says that he wrote it in his childhood home with John and then they showed it to Paul's dad. Does anybody know which it actually is?

[jeremyhofmann]

Paul reveals his songwriting secret - “I have no idea how I do it”.

[johnny]

In 300 years, people will still talk about this man, the way we talk about Mozart and Beethoven still.

[ianlaker]

It's a hobby?! The most successful 'hobby' in history.

[THOMMGB]

I really enjoyed listening to this interview. The interviewer was really good. He didn't interrupt - he just let Paul talk and tell the story of the songs.

[timmckeown]

What a spectacular life this man has lived.

[g-r-a-e-m-e-]

It is amazing that Paul can still make it fresh, having answered very similar questions for decades.

[HansDelbruck]

Lennon & McCartney: the greatest song-writing duo in history.

[anthonymetcalf]

"We started off listening"

Probably one of the most important quotes here. He doesn't know how he does it because it is intuitive, and I'm sure a huge reason for that is they loved music deeply, which makes it really hard to fake it.

[rebanx]

I dont really think a genius can ever truly explain his artistic as the gift for music that Macca has....he is a very special human, 'nuff said.

[tomrogerlilleby]

This is probably one of the best interviews with any of The Beatles that I've ever heard !
Very interesting to listen to. Paul McCartney seems to be so relaxed and willing to share his thoughts
and views on their songwriting.
And the interviewer is a dream !

[robertgosselin]

An example : One day McCartney was in a taxi on his way to Lennon’s home. The taxi driver told McCartney that he was working so hard, it felt like he was working “eight days a week”. When McCartney got to Lennon’s house he had most of the song “Eight Days a Week” already in his head.

[AugmentedMartini]

"Please write an album in a week." - "Ok!" - Those unique pressures led to some incredible songs.

[tomcusack]

Paul inducted Brian Wilson into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame. Each admires the other. Some misguided fools try to paint Brian and Paul as jealous rivals but they've been friendly with each other for 60 years. The world is a better place having creative musical giants like these guys.

[incaroads]

The most solid and substantive interview I have ever heard with one of them. The interviewer was clearly not star-struck. He was just genuinely curious and thoughtful about what questions he asked, and how he asked them.

[ianlaker]

I wish this was at least an hour long. It's brilliant and Mark Radclife is excellent. Gives Macca the room to talk. Fascinating stuff.

[hansvandermeulen]

"I strum the piano as well."

[tributetunes]

Every song writer would benefit from this. So direct, so poignant, simple and profound. Paul is just gold.

[adm]

Hugely refreshing interview. Especially as a songwriter myself. It’s nice to know that the greats have similar process, doubts and obliviousness to how it all comes into being

[otizcar]

Paul is very modest...they were so good their first take was great..most mortals have to fine tune the idea. Tweak it before it sounds decent...Paul had a deep musical background which was a wealth of possibilities..from Blackbird to Lady Madonna..geeesh...He is the most talented. Writer...always very catchy melodies..and bass parts...God Bless Him for sharing .his gift