Paul McCartney, the legendary singer-songwriter and former member of The Beatles, is widely considered one of the most influential and successful musicians of all time. With a career spanning more than six decades, McCartney has written and recorded countless iconic songs that have touched the hearts of millions of people around the world.
One of his favorite songs, and arguably one of the greatest songs ever written, is “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what McCartney has said about this timeless classic.
The Story Behind the Song
“God Only Knows” was written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, and it was released in 1966 as a single from The Beach Boys’ album “Pet Sounds”. The song is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential pop songs ever created, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years.
But what is it about this song that makes it so special? For McCartney, it’s all about the melody and the lyrics.
“It’s a really unusual song,” McCartney told Rolling Stone in 2017. “The melody is very beautiful, but it’s got a very unusual shape to it. And the words are really great.”
The song’s lyrics, which were co-written by songwriter Tony Asher, are a tribute to the enduring power of love. They speak to the deep, emotional connection that two people can share, and they suggest that love is something that can transcend even the most difficult times.
“It’s a really great romantic, spiritual love song,” McCartney said. “It’s a really uplifting song.”
The Making of a Classic
“God Only Knows” was one of the most complex and ambitious recordings of its time. It featured a lush, multi-layered arrangement that included strings, horns, and a wide variety of other instruments.
For McCartney, the song’s production was a major part of what made it so special.
“The production is really good,” he said. “The sound is beautiful, and the arrangement is fantastic. It’s a brilliant job.”
The song’s innovative use of instrumentation and its intricate layering of different musical elements set a new standard for what was possible in pop music. To this day, it remains one of the most celebrated and influential recordings ever made.
A Lasting Legacy
Over the years, “God Only Knows” has continued to resonate with audiences around the world. The song has been covered by countless artists, including David Bowie, Elton John, and Paul McCartney himself.
For McCartney, “God Only Knows” is a testament to the power of great songwriting and musicianship.
“It’s a really great piece of work,” he said. “It’s just one of those timeless things that will always be there. It’s just a great piece of music.”
So, what did Paul McCartney say about “God Only Knows”? He called it the “greatest song ever written”, and for good reason. With its beautiful melody, powerful lyrics, and innovative production, “God Only Knows” is a true masterpiece of popular music.
FAQ
What did George Harrison say about Paul McCartney?
George Harrison, the former Beatles guitarist, made a statement on his feelings towards Sir Paul McCartney during a chat session with DJ Alan Freeman on his 1970s radio show, Rock Around The World. Harrison admitted that he felt inferior in some ways to McCartney, even going so far as to say that McCartney had “ruined” him as a guitar player. Specifically, Harrison stated that he had no confidence in himself as a guitar player after having spent so many years playing alongside McCartney.
Harrison’s statement may come as a surprise to some, given that he was a highly accomplished and influential guitarist in his own right. Along with Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, he was considered one of the most innovative and technically skilled guitarists of the 1960s. However, it is worth noting that he, along with the rest of the Beatles, were heavily influenced by American rock and roll music, including the guitar playing of Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins.
Despite this, Harrison’s admiration and respect for McCartney were clear throughout his lifetime. The two musicians had a long and complex relationship, marked by creative collaborations and occasional disagreements. However, Harrison always held McCartney in high esteem, praising his songwriting abilities and vocal talents.
Harrison’S statement about McCartney sheds light on the complicated relationships between members of one of the most celebrated music groups in history. Despite their individual talents and successes, the Beatles were a deeply interconnected band, each member influencing and inspiring the others in subtle and profound ways.
What is Paul McCartney’s favorite color?
Paul McCartney, one of the most legendary musicians of all time, has an interesting preference when it comes to his favorite color. It may come as a surprise, but the former Beatles member has expressed his love for the color blue on numerous occasions. In fact, it is known to be his all-time favorite color.
According to some sources, McCartney’s favorite color was also featured on one of the band’s popular songs “For You Blue,” written by George Harrison. The song’s lyrics are about a man professing his love to a woman, who he promises to buy clothes and jewelry for, but most notably, he tells her he’ll paint her house for the blue that he likes. It’s been suggested that McCartney might have been the inspiration behind this line.
While it’s not entirely clear why McCartney favors blue, he has mentioned in interviews that he finds it a calming color. In one interview, he stated that he likes to surround himself in blue, as it helps him relax and provides a soothing environment, especially during stressful times.
Aside from McCartney’s love for blue, he’s also known for his eccentric personality and playful nature. In their early days in Hamburg, McCartney and the pre-Ringo Starr drummer Pete Best were once deported from Germany for nailing a condom to the wall and lighting it on fire, apparently as a makeshift torch. McCartney has also been known to wear brightly colored clothing and accessories during his performances, reflecting his unique and vibrant personality.
Although Paul McCartney’s favorite color may not seem like a big deal, it’s interesting to know how it has been incorporated into his life in various ways. Blue provides a sense of calmness and relaxation for him, reflecting his need for inner peace and stability.
Did Paul McCartney attend George Harrison’s funeral?
There was no actual funeral held for George Harrison. Instead, a year after his death, a memorial concert was held in his honor called “Concert for George”. This concert featured some of George’s famous friends such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, and Ravi Shankar, among many others.
Paul McCartney not only attended the “Concert for George” but he also performed several of his close friend’s songs on stage with Ringo Starr. Paul honored George’s memory by playing the classic Beatles’ track “Something” on a ukulele, which was a tribute to George’s love for the instrument.
In addition to performing, Paul shared some heartfelt words about George during the concert, saying “He was one of the finest musicians in the world. He was a beautiful man and a beautiful friend, and I miss him.”
While Paul McCartney did not attend an actual funeral for George Harrison, he did attend the mammoth memorial concert to celebrate his life and musical legacy.
Did McCartney and Harrison ever reconcile?
The dynamics between the members of the Beatles were always complex, to say the least. Paul McCartney and George Harrison were close friends when they first started playing together, but like any relationship, theirs experienced some ups and downs over time. Though they both remained cordial towards each other after the Beatles broke up, their relationship was never quite the same as it had been during the band’s heyday.
One of the biggest sources of tension between McCartney and Harrison was the former’s perceived domination of the band during their later years. As the Beatles shifted towards more complex compositions and studio experimentation, McCartney took on a greater role in guiding the band’s musical direction. Harrison, who had always felt like an outsider in the group, was often left feeling sidelined and frustrated by McCartney’s influence.
This tension bubbled to the surface especially during the recording of the “Let It Be” album in 1969. McCartney was seen as the driving force behind the project, which was originally conceived as a stripped-back return-to-basics album but eventually morphed into a lavish, overproduced affair. Harrison’s contributions to the record were often undervalued, which further strained their relationship.
After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney and Harrison remained on relatively good terms, but they didn’t work together musically again until the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971. By this point, Harrison had already made quite a name for himself as a solo artist, and there was perhaps less pressure on him to be seen as McCartney’s equal. Still, there were reports that the two had some disagreements during the Concert rehearsals, and Harrison even took a swipe at McCartney in his song “Wah-Wah”.
In the years that followed, Harrison and McCartney remained friendly but not particularly close. They occasionally worked together — for example, Harrison played guitar on McCartney’s 1982 Christmas song “Wonderful Christmastime” — but for the most part, their collaborations were few and far between.
Sadly, Harrison’s death in 2001 meant that any hope of a true reconciliation between the two was dashed. However, there’s no denying that the music they made together as part of the Beatles remains one of the greatest legacies in the history of popular music. And while their relationship may have been strained at times, it’s clear that McCartney and Harrison had a profound respect for each other’s talents as artists.
