Paperback Writer

The Beatles

About Paperback Writer

"Paperback Writer" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles. Written primarily by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney, the song was released as the A-side of their eleventh single in May 1966. It topped singles charts in Britain, the United States, Ireland, West Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Norway. On the US Billboard Hot 100, the song was at number 1 for two non-consecutive weeks, being interrupted by Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night". "Paperback Writer" was the last new song by the Beatles to be featured on their final tour in 1966.  


Year:
1988
2:18
1,589 
#17

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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...

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The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. Their best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era's sociocultural revolutions. more »

57 fans

Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Paperback Writer" was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, with the primary credit going to McCartney.
Chart Performance
The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.
Recording and Production
"Paperback Writer" was recorded at EMI Studios, London, in April 1966 and was released as a single the following month.
Music Influence
The song was a departure from The Beatles' usual love-theme narrative, instead focusing on an aspiring novelist seeking publication.
Musical Composition
"Paperback Writer" has a straightforward bluesy rhythm, an uncharacteristic feature in the pop and rock music of the 1960's.
Innovation
It was the first song by The Beatles to be recorded with a louder, more bass-heavy sound than their previous releases, marking a significant shift in their sound.
Multiple Versions
The song has two different mixes, released separately in the American and British pressings of the single.
Music Video
One of the promotional videos for "Paperback Writer" was one of the first examples of a true music video, with a visual narrative that corresponds to the lyrics of the song.
B-side
The B-side of the "Paperback Writer" single was "Rain", another song with a prominent, innovative bass line.
McCartney's Inspiration
McCartney claimed his inspiration for the song came from wanting to write a song with a melody that "stayed in one note".
Song Reception
Despite its unorthodox theme and bold musical choices, the song was well received by critics and fans alike, and is often cited as a standout track in The Beatles' discography.
Live Performances
However, "Paperback Writer" was never performed by The Beatles in concert. It was added to McCartney's live performances setlist much later.

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    Paperback Writer

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #1


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