Paul McCartney once revealed the “miraculous” thing about working with John Lennon

Paul McCartney once shared a fascinating and “miraculous” insight into his working relationship with John Lennon, reflecting on the unique and almost otherworldly synergy they shared as songwriting partners. The two Beatles, who formed one of the most iconic musical duos in history, created some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century. While their partnership was not without its tensions and complexities, McCartney often spoke with deep admiration for the creative connection he and Lennon had, describing it as something special that was almost beyond their control.

The “miraculous” element that McCartney referred to was the seemingly effortless and magical way in which their creative process unfolded. As he explained, there was a natural flow to their songwriting, often requiring very little conscious effort to create timeless pieces of music. He described how they could sit together, typically with their guitars, and a new song would emerge almost as if it were being channeled through them. McCartney credited their collaborative chemistry to their shared understanding of each other’s musical instincts, their ability to inspire one another, and the sense that their ideas were somehow destined to come together in ways they had not planned.

One of the most remarkable aspects of their partnership was how they complemented each other’s strengths. While McCartney was often the more melodic and experimental of the two, Lennon brought a raw, edgy, and sometimes rebellious quality to their work. These contrasting elements, when combined, created a rich and dynamic musical palette. McCartney admitted that Lennon’s more confrontational and direct approach pushed him to experiment in ways he might not have otherwise considered. Similarly, McCartney’s optimism and sense of melody often grounded Lennon’s more introspective or cynical leanings.

McCartney often referred to their songwriting sessions as a kind of “musical dialogue,” where they would bounce ideas off one another, building upon the germ of a concept until it grew into a fully realized song. This back-and-forth was crucial to the creative process, with each of them contributing lyrics, melodies, and harmonies in a way that felt fluid and spontaneous. There were few arguments or prolonged moments of uncertainty; instead, McCartney described their work together as being driven by a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect. The act of creating music was not a laborious task but rather a shared joy, almost as though the music was already out there waiting to be discovered, and all they had to do was uncover it.

McCartney also acknowledged that their connection was not purely musical but emotional and personal as well. Over time, their friendship deepened, and their bond transcended their roles as bandmates. The two came from similar working-class backgrounds in Liverpool, which provided a strong foundation for their understanding of one another. Their shared experiences—of growing up in a post-war, economically challenged environment—instilled in them a sense of resilience, humor, and a drive to succeed. These personal similarities helped them navigate the highs and lows of their professional journey, whether it was the creative challenges they faced or the pressures of global fame.

However, as with any creative partnership, there were moments of tension. McCartney did not shy away from discussing the occasional friction that arose between him and Lennon, particularly as their personalities and visions began to diverge in the latter years of The Beatles. Despite this, McCartney always expressed his deep respect for Lennon’s talent and influence on their music. He recognized that their differing perspectives only enriched their work, making it more complex and multi-dimensional. It was this tension—the balance between harmony and discord—that, in many ways, fueled the magic of their partnership.

The “miraculous” aspect of their collaboration was that despite these occasional differences and the inevitable challenges that came with working closely for years, they were able to create music that resonated with millions of people across generations. Songs like “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “A Day in the Life,” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” continue to be celebrated as some of the greatest musical achievements of all time. For McCartney, the miracle lay in how they, two young musicians from Liverpool, were able to produce such timeless, universal art that continues to inspire.

Reflecting on this partnership in later years, McCartney often said that what made working with Lennon so remarkable was the balance of their personalities and how, despite their occasional disagreements and differences, their shared vision allowed them to create some of the most iconic music ever made. The “miracle” wasn’t just the music itself, but the fact that their unique partnership came together at all, at a time and in a place that would ultimately change the course of music history.