John Lennons Perception of Paul McCartney’s Songs: Beyond the Granny Label
Understanding John Lennon's Comments on Paul McCartney's Music
John Lennon, the legendary musician and member of the Beatles, often left a lasting impact on his bandmate Paul McCartney through his insightful and sometimes controversial comments. One such comment that has been frequently debated is whether John labeled Paul's songs as 'granny songs.' This term, originating from the 1960s and early 1970s, typically referred to music that sounded old-fashioned or reminiscent of the time when the elderly may have been young. However, did John really make such a remark about Paul's songs? Let's dive into the truth.
Did John Truly Label Paul's Songs as 'Granny Songs'?
Many music enthusiasts and scholars have come across the assertion that John Lennon labeled some of Paul McCartney's songs as 'granny songs.' However, these claims do not hold up to scrutiny. John never said 'granny songs' refer to Paul's entire repertoire. In context, it seems John found some of Paul's compositions, particularly those with an old-timey quality, amusing. John appreciated songs like 'Your Mother Should Know,' 'Honey Pie,' and 'When I'm Sixty-Four,' which included elements reminiscent of the early 20th century.
Some of Paul’s Songs from Another Era
Paul McCartney did draw inspiration from the music of yesteryears. Growing up, he heard his father's band play old-timey music, which influenced his own compositional style. Paul's songs like 'Your Mother Should Know' and 'When I'm Sixty-Four' capture a time that felt nostalgic and comforting. Similarly, John appreciated these nostalgic songs, often dancing to them, as evidenced by his performance in the Magical Mystery Tour film where he joyfully danced to 'Your Mother Should Know.'
John's Appreciation of Nostalgic Music
Far from denigrating these songs, John seemed to find them delightful. He loved the music that brought back memories and put a smile on people's faces. In his own words, he declared his appreciation for such tunes in a video from October 1980. It is thus incorrect to assume that John rejected or derided these songs. Rather, he enjoyed the warmth and sentimentality they provided.
Examples of 'Granny' Songs from Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney has indeed written numerous songs that could be considered 'granny songs' due to their old-timey quality. Some examples include:
Honey Pie: This song, originally written for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, has a distinctly old-timey sound. The lyrics and melody evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm.
When I'm Sixty-Four: This whimsical song captures a timeless quality, reminiscent of the music of the 1930s and 1940s. It's a perfect example of a 'granny song.'
Your Mother Should Know: This ballad, featured in the Magical Mystery Tour film, has a soothing, nostalgic quality that many would label as 'granny music.'
My Forbidden Song: Another song that captures a sense of longing for a bygone era.
Yesterday: While not as distinctly 'granny' as some of the other examples, this timeless classic evokes a sentimental quality that connects with many listeners.
Conclusion: John's Musical Taste and Paul McCartney's Impact
In conclusion, while John Lennon may have made some comments that were taken out of context, suggesting that he labeled some of Paul McCartney's songs as 'granny songs,' it is clear that these comments were not an accurate representation of John's true feelings. John appreciated the old-timey and nostalgic qualities in some of Paul's compositions, much as Freddie Mercury appreciated the old-time music in Queen's songs. Both were fans of the music that evoked memories and brought joy, even if it was a simpler, more traditional sound.