Who Wrote More Beatles Songs: John Lennon or Paul McCartney?

The debate over who wrote more Beatles songs between John Lennon and Paul McCartney has been a topic of intense discussion among music critics and fans alike. While John Lennon stopped contributing his writing to the band in 1980, Paul McCartney continued to create music well into the 21st century, releasing his most recent album in 2020.

Paul McCartney as a Songwriter

My assessment is that McCartney was the better songwriter and that he was primarily responsible for many of the Beatles' finest records. This assertion is not without merit, as throughout the band’s history, McCartney's contributions played a significant role in shaping the group's sound.

Data on Song Contributions

When analyzing the song credits, the following data provides an interesting perspective:

Jointly Written and Solely Written Songs

Using the method of giving 1/2 song credit if jointly written and 1 if solely written, we can break down the contributions:

John Lennon: 95

Paul McCartney: 90

George Harrison: 25

Ringo Starr: 5

It is important to note that many songs are disputed in terms of authorship, but these figures provide a fair overview of the contributions.

Special Focus: "Eight Days a Week" and "Day Tripper"

Two tracks stand out: “Eight Days a Week” and “Day Tripper.” “Eight Days a Week,” written by Paul McCartney, showcases his ability to deliver high notes and maintain breath control well. However, Paul's voice can struggle with successive high notes and managing breath support during these moments. The Eight Arms to Hold You version of the song originally titled “Eight Days a Week” was adapted to fit the band’s direction. For this reason, John took the lead vocal on the track.

“Day Tripper,” co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, displays a unique arrangement where Paul handles the verses and John takes the lead on the chorus. The song's structure is likely due to John's greater comfort with the lower range during the verses. Upon closer listening, John's vocals in the second chorus are particularly striking as he delivers powerful and dynamic vocals, followed by a falsetto in the final chorus, adding a distinct variation and emphasis.

Data Discrepancies

While some bibliographic sources indicate that John Lennon wrote a slightly higher number of songs (71) than Paul McCartney (68), the remaining 160 songs were jointly penned by the duo. This shared contribution reflects the collaborative nature of the Beatles and their ability to work together to create timeless music.

Both artists brought unique talents to the table, but it is clear that McCartney's contributions played a dominant role in the Beatles' later songs and albums. Whether it is the technical mastery in singing high notes or the artistic brilliance in crafting songs, McCartney stands out as a significant figure in Beatles history.

The Beatles' legacy is a testament to their collective creativity and the undeniable contributions of each member, especially Paul McCartney's songwriter abilities. As the band continues to inspire new generations of music lovers, the debate over who wrote more songs will undoubtedly remain a cherished topic.