Paul McCartney was one of the Beatles’ top songwriters. He continued to flex his songwriting ability in his solo career. His talent has yet to falter and his lengthy catalog of solo hits is evidence towards that claim. Though his solo career is set apart from his time with the Beatles through clear sonic differences, there are several McCartney songs that could’ve been on a Beatles album. Check out three of them, below.
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“Maybe I’m Amazed”
McCartney penned many ballads throughout his time with the Beatles. In many ways, he was the group’s sole balladeer. He continued that affinity in his solo career. “Maybe I’m Amazed” is one of many ballads he delivered post-Beatles, but it is arguably one of his best. We could see this song slowing down the tempo on a Beatles album.
Maybe I’m amazed at the way you love me all the time
Maybe I’m afraid of the way I love you
Maybe I’m amazed at the way you pulled me out of time
Hung me on a line
Maybe I’m amazed at the way I really need you
Maybe I’m a man
Maybe I’m a lonely man who’s in the middle of something
That he doesn’t really understand
“Coming Up”
“Coming Up” is reminiscent of the Beatles’ most experimental turns. Though perhaps a little softer-edged than many songs from the Beatles’ psychedelic era, it still could find a comfortable home on Sgt. Peppers or their self-titled. McCartney has always been an unabashed hit maker, but this song saw him lean into a side of his musicality that is less worried about appealing to the masses.
You want a love to last forever
One that will never fade away
I wanna help you with your problem
Stick around, I say
You want a friend you can rely on
One who will never fade away
And if you’re searching for an answer
Stick around, I say
“Calico Skies”
“Calico Skies” is one of McCartney’s best down tempo songs. McCartney delivered more than his fair share of ballads during his tenure with the Beatles. This track would’ve been a welcomed addition to that crop if it was written earlier.
It was written that I would love you
From the moment I opened my eyes
And the morning when I first saw you
Gave me life under calico skies
I will hold you for as long as you like
I’ll hold you for the rest of my life
(Photo by Images/Getty Images)
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